Chilli Cheeseburger

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a homemade Chilli Cheeseburger. The juicy, cheesy patties, the smoky heat of chipotle-spiced chilli, the crunch of tortilla chips, and the creamy freshness of guacamole. Each bite is packed with layers of flavour and texture. This recipe is the ultimate upgrade to the classic cheeseburger, bringing a bold and satisfying twist.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Avocado: Adds creaminess while balancing the heat with its mild, buttery texture.
• Red onion: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to the guacamole.
• Cherry tomatoes: Introduce freshness and a touch of acidity.
• Fresh coriander: Lifts the guacamole with bright, citrusy notes.
• Lime juice: Enhances flavour while keeping the guacamole vibrant.
• Tortilla chips: Provide a satisfying crunch.
• Leftover chilli con carne: Infuses smoky heat and rich depth.
• Brioche burger buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding all the fillings.
• Beef mince (20% fat): Ensures juicy, flavourful patties.
• Vegetable oil: Helps achieve a crispy crust on the patties.
• Greaseproof paper: A key tool for smashing the patties evenly.
• Original Mexicana Cheddar slices: Melts beautifully while bringing spice and richness.

Mastering the Art of Smash Burgers

The Chilli Cheeseburger shines because of its perfectly cooked patties. Unlike traditional thick burgers, a smash burger involves pressing a ball of beef mince onto a scorching hot surface. This technique creates an exceptional crust while locking in flavour.

Using 20% fat beef mince ensures a juicy and flavourful result. Leaner mince tends to dry out, while the higher fat content keeps everything tender. The key technique here is the smash burger method. Instead of shaping thick patties, the mince is rolled into small balls and smashed onto a hot cast-iron pan. This creates an irresistible crust, sealing in the juices while delivering that signature crispy edge.

To maximise the flavour, season the mince just before cooking. Salt draws moisture from the meat, so adding it too early can make the patties dense. Cooking on a high heat is essential. This locks in the juices and creates the perfect caramelised crust. Two minutes per side is all it takes.

The final touch? Cheese. Original Mexicana Cheddar slices add a fiery kick and melt perfectly over the sizzling patties. A splash of water in the pan creates steam, which helps the cheese envelop the burger completely.

Making the Perfect Guacamole

Guacamole isn’t just a topping, it’s an essential part of what makes the Chilli Cheeseburger special. It provides a creamy counterbalance to the rich beef, melted cheese, and smoky chilli.

Start with a ripe avocado, one that yields slightly to pressure. Too firm, and it won’t mash properly; too soft, and it can become mushy and lose its structure.

Finely chop red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh coriander for bursts of freshness. The key to exceptional guacamole is balancing acidity, salt, and spice. Fresh lime juice brings a tangy brightness, while salt enhances all the flavours.

Mash the avocado just enough to keep some texture, not too smooth. The chunky consistency ensures a better bite in the burger. Let the guacamole sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.

Choosing the Right Cheese

A Chilli Cheeseburger isn’t complete without the right cheese. While classic cheddar is always a favourite, Original Mexicana Cheddar brings something extra to the table. Its spicy, smoky flavour complements the chipotle-infused chilli while enhancing the richness of the beef.

One of the challenges with burger cheese is melting consistency. A good burger cheese should melt evenly without turning greasy. Mexicana Cheddar does just that, it develops a gooey texture that coats the burger beautifully.

To ensure a proper melt, add the cheese immediately after flipping the patty. Then, add a splash of water to the pan and cover it with a lid. The steam created helps the cheese melt quickly and evenly, creating a luscious layer of spicy goodness.

Tortilla Chips: The Crunch Factor That Changes Everything

The secret ingredient in this Chilli Cheeseburger is crushed tortilla chips. While unconventional, this small addition transforms the burger’s texture, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.

Most burgers rely on lettuce for crunch, but tortilla chips bring something more exciting. They hold up better against the heat and moisture of the burger, maintaining their crispness. The mild corn flavour complements the smoky chilli, and the saltiness enhances the overall savouriness.

For best results, use lightly salted tortilla chips and crush them just enough to create texture without overpowering the burger. Sprinkle them over the chilli right before assembling, ensuring they stay crisp until the last bite.

No One Wants a Soggy Bun

Brioche buns are the ideal choice for this burger, offering a soft, slightly sweet contrast to the spicy elements. However, their light texture means they can become soggy if not handled properly.

To avoid this, toast the buns in a dry pan until the surface is golden brown. This creates a slight barrier, preventing the bun from absorbing too much moisture from the chilli or guacamole.

Another trick is layering strategically. By spreading guacamole on both the top and bottom bun, you create a buffer that helps prevent sogginess. The creamy layer acts as a seal, keeping the bread intact while adding extra flavour.

Building the Ultimate Chilli Cheeseburger

A great burger isn’t just about the patty, it’s about balance. Each layer must complement the next, while creating harmony between heat, crunch, creaminess, and umami. Here’s how to assemble the ultimate Chilli Cheeseburger:

• Start with the guacamole: This base layer provides creamy contrast to the spicy elements. The combination of avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, coriander, and lime juice is bright and refreshing.
• Layer on the patties: Two cheesy patties per burger create the perfect ratio of meat to toppings. The cheese should be fully melted, ensuring every bite is indulgent.
• Top with chilli con carne: This is what makes the burger special. A smoky, slow-cooked chilli ladled over the patties adds an intense depth of flavour.
• Add crushed tortilla chips: A surprising yet essential addition. The chips bring a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft bun and juicy filling.
• More guacamole on the top bun: This extra layer ensures every bite is packed with creaminess.
• Close the burger and dig in!

More Burger Recipes

If you loved this Chilli Cheeseburger, here are a few more burger recipes that you might like:

• Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger: This burger features crispy, sesame-crusted tofu, tossed in a spicy teriyaki glaze, charred pineapple and a vegan sriracha slaw.
• Harissa Lamb Burgers: Juicy lamb patties spiced with harissa, topped with cumin caramelised onions, minty mayo and rocket – you!
• Aubergine Katsu Burger (Eggplant Katsu Burger): Golden, crispy aubergine katsu is the star, nestled in a soft brioche bun with a zingy, crunchy cabbage slaw and finished with a combo of rich tonkatsu sauce and creamy kewpie mayo.

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!