Sink your teeth into this ultimate Chili Cheese Burger! Cook a juicy beef patty on the grill, top with melty cheddar, and a spoon-smothering, smoky chili all stacked on a toasted bun. All these delicious layers make The Best Chili Cheese Burger!
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This Chili Cheese Burger Recipe is a family favorite! Being a mom of 8 kids, I love trying different ways to serve my favorite Onion Smash Burgers and adding chili was everyones favorite.
This burger was filling, hearty and packed with delicious flavor. This beef recipe has become a backyard legend and always on the menu when friends come over. If you love chili and burgers as much as I do, then this is the recipe to make! Make sure to also check out this Chili Burger!
What's in this post: Chili Cheese Burger Recipe
Why You’ll Love this Chili Cheeseburger!
Combining two of my favorites – grilled burger and chili into a delicious chili cheese burger takes our cookout to the next level!
Homemade chili is always on the menu when the weather turns colder so I knew making it and adding to a thick, flame-kissed burger patty would the right choice.
There is nothing better than a messy burger that needs a fork to enjoy to make it the most delicious and comforting burger you have ever tasted! Grab some napkins and your favorite grilled side dishes and make my personal favorite cheeseburger for your next cookout!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – We used lean ground beef
- Onion – Chop into small pieces. We like using a vegetable chopper
- Minced Garlic – You can also substitute with garlic powder
- Diced Tomatoes – We like using diced tomatoes in sauce
- Tomato Paste – Helps to thicken then chili
- Beef Broth – Substitute with beef stock
- Chili Powder – If you are out, see Chili Powder Substitutes
- Ground Cumin – See Cumin Substitutes
- Paprika – Smoked Paprika is a great substitute
- Cayenne Pepper – Adds a hint of spice
- American Cheese – Use cheese of choice – Cheddar Cheese or Sharp Cheddar are great options
- Queso Cheese Dip – Make this Queso Cheese Dip
- Onion Strings – Adds delicious crunch to the chili cheeseburger
- Hamburger Buns – This chili burger would even be delicious without the buns
How to Make Chili Cheese Burger
Step 1 – Brown Ground Beef in a large Pot. Add in chopped onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step 2 – Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
Step 3 – Add the beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 – Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the chili for about 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally as the chili thickens.
Step 5 – Divide ground beef into four equal portions to form patties. Season with salt and pepper. Then grill burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Step 6 – Top the cooked and juicy burgers with slice of cheese onto burger buns. Then add the prepared chili, queso, and crispy onion strings. Serve and Enjoy!
Chili Cheese Burger
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz. Diced tomatoes
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 Tablespoons Queso cheese dip
- 1/2 cup crispy onion strings
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
For the Chili:
- In a large pot, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Add the beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook for about 20-25
- minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken as it cooks.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
For the Burgers:
- Preheat the grill or stovetop griddle to medium-high heat.
- Divide 1 pound of ground beef into four equal portions and form into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or until they reach your
- preferred level of doneness.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each burger to melt.
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or griddle.
To Assemble:
- Place the grilled burger with melted cheese on the bottom bun.
- Spoon a generous amount of the prepared chili over each burger.
- Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon of Queso cheese dip.
- Top with crispy onion strings.
- Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Pro Tips
- Keep Chili Thick – When making these burgers, we like to make a thicker chili so the chili stays on the burger.
- Serve ASAP – Once these burgers are prepared, it is best serve as soon as possible. This allows the buns to stay toasty and not get soggy.
- Cooking Burgers – We cooked our burgers on the grill, but you can easily cook in a large skillet on the stovetop.
What to Serve with Chili Cheese Burgers?
These chili cheese burgers are delicious served with Grilled French Fries, Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings and Blackstone Smashed Tator Tots. We even like to add the chili to the sides!
Set up a burger bar with all your favorite toppings so everyone can build their own burger. I like to include shredded lettuce, slice tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, and slice bacon. Make sure you have condiments such as mustard, mayo, and slice pickles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is a great recipe to use up your chili leftovers. Chili makes a delicious burger topping whether you are making it homemade, using leftovers and even store bought chili.
We recommend storing the burger and toppings separately in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This will keep the burgers fresh and prevent them from getting soggy.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked hamburger patties and the chili in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you are ready to reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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