Green Chile Cheeseburger Recipe

Roast Poblanos

Preheat a gas burner, broiler, or grill to high. Place whole poblano peppers directly over the flame or on a hot grill rack (or under the broiler on a foil-lined pan). Roast, turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered on all sides, about 8–12 minutes.

Transfer the hot peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed paper bag for 10 minutes to steam. This loosens the skin for easier peeling.

Once cool enough to handle, peel the poblanos: remove charred skin, cut off stems, slice open, remove seeds and membranes (if you prefer less heat), then slice into 1/4-inch strips. Toss the strips with 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, minced garlic (mince the 1 clove), lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings and set aside.

Form the patties: divide 1 lb ground beef into four 4-oz portions (or two 8-oz for larger patties). Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a shallow indentation in the center with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Season both sides of each patty with the kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Place the patties on the hot surface (do not overcrowd). Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing, until a brown crust forms.

Flip the patties and cook another 2–4 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness (for medium, target an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C for ground beef in the US). In the last 1 minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the pan or tent with foil so the cheese melts.

Toast buns (optional): while cheese is melting, split buns and toast cut sides on the skillet or griddle until golden, about 30–60 seconds.

Assemble burgers: place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the cheese-topped patty, top with a generous portion of roasted poblano strips and a few red onion slices. Add top bun and serve immediately.

Fries: prepare frozen fries according to package instructions (bake or fry) until crisp and golden. Season with a pinch of salt and serve alongside burgers.

Salad: toss mixed salad greens with 4 tablespoons dressing and plate as an alternate side if not serving fries.