King Burger Recipe
Their famous mammoth two-patty behemoth with a generous dollop of chili on it.
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Ingredients
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Burger patties & seasoning
Chili (makes enough for 2 burgers / generous dollop each)
Assembly & toppings
Method
Chili (make first, can be kept warm)
- 1
sauté aromatics
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
brown meat
Add 1/4 lb ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
- 3
build chili
Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (with juices) and 1/4 cup beef broth. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low and cook uncovered 8–10 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- 4
adjust & keep warm
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep the chili warm over the lowest heat while you cook the patties; if it thickens too much, add a tablespoon of water or broth.
Patties & cooking
- 5
form patties
Divide 1 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 8 oz each). Gently form each into a loose, flat patty slightly larger than the bun (about 4–5 inches diameter). Do not overwork the meat. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper per patty (included in the ingredient totals).
- 6
preheat skillet or griddle
Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it shimmer.
- 7
cook patties
Place both patties on the hot surface. Cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until a dark crust forms. Flip once and immediately place one slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). If you prefer, press lightly with a spatula to increase contact for a better crust.
- 8
rest patties
Transfer patties to a plate and let rest 2 minutes while you toast buns and finish assembly. Keep them warm.
Toast buns & assemble
- 9
- 10
assemble burgers
On the bottom bun, spread optional 1/2 tsp mustard and 1/2 tsp ketchup if using. Add a layer of shredded lettuce and tomato slices. Place the first cheese-topped patty on top. Spoon a generous dollop (about 1/4 cup) of the warm chili onto the patty. Add the second patty on top of the chili. Top with pickle slices, then crown with the top bun.
- 11
serve
Serve immediately while hot. Recommended sides: fries or onion rings. Leftover chili keeps 3 days refrigerated.