Beef Burger with Chipotle Cheese
By Emma Kitchen
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
Beef burger with grilled vegetables and chipotle cheese sauce. This dish has ground beef patties, grilled zucchini, and crispy turkey bacon. The buns are topped with spicy sauce and fresh greens. Quick to make and filling.
Prep:
15 min
Cook:
30 min
Total:
45 min
Servings:
6
#burger
#grilling
#American cuisine
#comfort food
#quick meals
Beef burgers. Combined with vegetables. Get some flavor from chipotle cheese. Crispy turkey bacon adds crunch. Zucchini and bell peppers make it colorful. Cheese sauce packs heat. A filling meal.
Ingredients
For the patties
- 600g ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the toppings
- 2 zucchinis, sliced into 1 cm rounds
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thick strips
- 6 slices of turkey bacon
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 leaves of kale
- Chipotle cheese sauce, to taste
About the ingredients
Choose lean ground beef. Helps keep it healthy but still tasty. Use fresh vegetables for grilling. Zucchini and bell peppers work well. The turkey bacon gives a bit of a twist. Great for texture. Chipotle cheese sauce can be bought or homemade. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Method
Pre-cooking steps
- Preheat the grill to high heat. Oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
Grilling process
- Grill the zucchinis for about 7 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill the bell pepper strips for about 8 minutes or until they're slightly charred. Cook the turkey bacon for about 5 minutes until crispy. Keep all grilled items warm.
Patties and assembly
- Form the ground beef into 6 large patties. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Grill each patty for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until well-done. Optionally grill the buns for about 2 minutes to toast.
- Spread chipotle cheese sauce on the inside of each bun. Place a patty on the bun. Top with zucchini, bell pepper, bacon, and kale. Close with the other half of the bun.
Cooking tips
Start with the grill. Preheat it well so everything cooks evenly. Grill vegetables until they’re slightly charred. You want some smokiness. The turkey bacon will take less time. Form the patties right after seasoning. Watch the cooking time for the beef. Don’t overcook it. Assemble quickly to keep the buns warm. Enjoy with a side of fries or salad.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Start with quality beef. Look for 80-85% lean ground beef. Juicy but not greasy. Double check seasoning. More salt can enhance flavor. Add garlic powder. Can mix spices into beef for better taste.
- 💡 When grilling veggies, brush with olive oil. Keeps them moist. Sprinkle with salt while grilling. Zucchini cooks quick. Keep eye on color. Bell peppers need more time. They should char lightly for flavor.
- 💡 Timing is crucial for burgers. Keep grill at a consistent high heat. Too hot can burn outside but raw inside. Use thermometer if uncertain. 160F for well done. Don't press patties while cooking. That pushes juices out.
- 💡 Turkey bacon can be swapped. Use regular bacon but adjust cook time. It’s crispy but fattening. Turkey gives leaner option. For veggie lovers, skip bacon. Add extra grilled veggies like mushrooms or eggplant.
- 💡 Assemble burgers promptly. Warm buns help keep it all together. Don't forget the cheese sauce. Adjust heat level to preference. Spread sauce evenly on buns. Customize with toppings like avocado or jalapeños.
Common questions
How to make patties?
Combine ground beef, salt, pepper. Form into 6 discs. Make thumbprint in middle. Helps cook evenly. Keep thickness even.
What to serve with burgers?
Side salads or fries are good. Coleslaw adds crunch. Chips also work. Just balance flavors. Consider something light.
Can I grill indoors?
Look for indoor grill pan options. They work well. Can also use stovetop grills but aim for high heat. Proper ventilation helps.
How to store leftovers?
Keep in airtight containers. Fridge lasts 3-4 days. For longer, freeze patties separately. Wrap each in foil. Thaw properly before reheating.
