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Flavorful Hatch Chili Smash Burgers Recipe Easy Pepper Jack Cheese Burger

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Quick and tasty smash burgers smothered in smoky Hatch chiles and melted pepper jack cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup chopped Hatch chiles (roasted and peeled if possible)
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese
  • ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, toasted lightly
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or favorite burger condiments

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until translucent and slightly caramelized.
  2. Add the chopped Hatch chiles and cook together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside. Add a splash of water or broth if mixture looks too dry.
  3. In a mixing bowl, gently combine 1 pound (450g) of ground beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Do not overwork the meat.
  4. Preheat a cast iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
  5. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 115g each). Roll each into a loose ball.
  6. Place a ball on the hot skillet and smash it down firmly with a spatula or burger press to about ¼-inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.
  7. Flip carefully and immediately add a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  8. Toast buns lightly on the skillet or in a toaster.
  9. Assemble burgers by placing the cheesy smash burger on the bottom bun, topping with a generous spoonful of Hatch chili and onion mixture, adding optional toppings, and crowning with the top bun.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is gooey.

Notes

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for juicy patties. Do not move patties too soon to get a crispy crust. Cover pan briefly after adding cheese to melt it perfectly. Hatch chili topping can be made a day ahead and reheated gently. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use vegan pepper jack-style cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, Hatch chiles, pepper jack cheese, quick burger recipe, smoky burgers, easy dinner, barbecue, ground beef burgers

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