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Savory Hatch Green Chile Smash Burgers Easy Recipe with Pepper Jack Cheese

Hatch green chile smash burgers - featured image
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These savory Hatch green chile smash burgers feature a crispy seared crust, smoky roasted chiles folded into juicy beef patties, and melty pepper jack cheese for a bold Southwestern flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/3 cup roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional toppings: sliced red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, chipotle mayo

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: roast Hatch green chiles if using fresh, then peel, seed, and chop finely. If using canned or frozen, drain and chop. Slice pepper jack cheese and prepare any toppings.
  2. In a bowl, gently fold chopped green chiles into ground beef without overworking. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
  4. Divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll loosely into balls.
  5. Place one ball on the hot skillet and immediately press down with a spatula or burger press to flatten into a thin patty about 1/4 inch thick. Hold for 10-15 seconds to form a sear. Repeat with remaining balls.
  6. Cook patties without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown. Flip carefully, top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese, and cook another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  7. While burgers cook, spread softened butter on buns and toast them on another pan or skillet edges until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble burgers by placing cheesy patties on toasted buns and adding desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure skillet is very hot before smashing patties to get a crispy crust. Do not overwork the meat when mixing chiles to keep patties tender. Avoid pressing patties after initial smash to maintain crust. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. Can substitute poblano peppers for Hatch chiles and Monterey Jack cheese for milder flavor. Ground turkey or vegetarian patties can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hatch green chile, smash burgers, pepper jack cheese, Southwestern burger, easy burger recipe, crispy burger, quick dinner

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/savory-hatch-green-chile-smash-burgers-easy-recipe-with-pepper-jack-cheese/