Last month the Margaritaville University college ambassadors were challenged to submit their best burger recipe. A hungry panel of Margaritaville judges chose the best of the best to be featured on Margaritaville.com.

Meet McKenzie!

College: University of the Cumberlands

Best thing about being part of Margaritaville University: Getting to meet all of the other ambassadors that are as excited about the mission as I am!

Inspiration for my recipe: My inspiration came from my boyfriend and his family, who always put the cheese inside the burger!

If I could enjoy my burger anywhere in the world it would be: I would be on the beach in the Caribbean!

Favorite Jimmy Buffett Quote: Life is a journey that’s measured not in miles or years, but in experiences.

MEGA-ritaville Burger

Feeds 6-8

Burger Ingredients:

• One giant King’s Hawaiian roll
• 2 pounds ground beef
• One head lettuce
• Two Roma tomatoes
• One-half Vidalia onion
• 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• Pickle spears
• Mayonnaise and mustard
• Heinz 57 sauce

Guacamole Ingredients:

• Two avocados
• One Roma tomato
• One-half Vidalia onion
• Cilantro
• Half a lime (juice squeezed to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. Split the burger meat in half by weight and form two large patties.
2. Place the pieces of cheddar cheese in the middle of one patty and place the other on top. Pinch edges of burger to seal in cheese.
3. Sear the burger on a medium to high heat on stove top for 4 minutes per side.
4. Place the burger on a large metal sheet pan and bake in the over at 300 degrees for 40 minutes.
5. Make the guacamole while waiting for the burger to cook:
   • Chop the onions and tomatoes into small chunks – size to your liking!
   • Scoop out avocados into large mixing bowl and add the onions and tomatoes.
   • Mash the mixture.
   • Tear or chop the cilantro and to the mixture.
   • Slice lime in half and juice the half into the mixture.
   • Add salt to taste
6. Use the second half of the chopped onion and sauté in pan. Set aside.
7. Cut the Hawaiian roll in half and butter each side of the bun. Sear in pan to create perfect, crispy buns!
8. Remove the burger from the oven and check internal temperature for warmth. Let sit for 5 minutes before burger assembly.
9. Assemble burger to your liking and enjoy! Serve with chips and extra guacamole for flavor and fun!