Green Chile Cheeseburger
A taste of the Southwest! This juicy beef patty is grilled to perfection, smothered in melted pepper jack cheese, and topped with smoky, roasted green chiles. A spicy, savory burger that's a true classic.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Form the Burger Patties
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- c.Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
- d.Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each) and form them into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your buns.
- e.Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents them from puffing up into a ball shape as they cook.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Preheat Grill and Prepare Buns
- b.Preheat your grill or a large cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 205-230°C).
- c.While the grill heats, spread the softened butter evenly on the cut sides of the burger buns.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Burgers
- b.Place the patties on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until browned and slightly charred.
- c.Flip the patties and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C). Adjust time for your desired doneness.
- d.During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place the buttered buns cut-side down on the grill to toast until golden brown. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- e.In the final minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese and a generous spoonful of the chopped green chiles. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese quickly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Remove the patties and buns from the grill. Let the patties rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- c.Place a lettuce leaf on each bottom bun, followed by the green chile cheeseburger patty.
- d.Top with sliced tomato and red onion.
- e.Place the top bun on and serve immediately with your favorite sides like french fries or coleslaw.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest burgers, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
- 2Handle the ground beef as little as possible when forming patties to keep them tender.
- 3Ensure your grill or pan is fully preheated to get a perfect sear, which locks in the juices.
- 4Toasting the buns is a non-negotiable step; it adds flavor and prevents them from getting soggy.
- 5For the most authentic flavor, use roasted Hatch green chiles from New Mexico if available.
- 6Don't press down on the patties with a spatula while they cook, as this squeezes out the flavorful juices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Swap
Not a fan of pepper jack? Try sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a smoky provolone.
Add BaconAdd Bacon
Add a couple of strips of crispy cooked bacon on top of the cheese for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
For an extra kick, mix 1-2 finely diced jalapeños directly into the ground beef mixture.
Add an EggAdd an Egg
Top the burger with a sunny-side-up fried egg for a rich, decadent twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
The ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
B-Vitamin Boost
Beef is a rich source of essential B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6. These vitamins are crucial for energy production, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Metabolism Kick from Capsaicin
Green chiles contain capsaicin, the compound that gives them their heat. Some studies suggest that capsaicin can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A single Green Chile Cheeseburger contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the bun, fat content of the beef, and exact toppings used.