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Savory Green Hatch Chili Cheeseburger Smash Patties with Easy Roasted Pepper Aioli

hatch chili cheeseburger smash patties - featured image

A flavorful smash burger recipe featuring smoky roasted Hatch chilis, melty sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy roasted pepper aioli. Quick and easy to make, perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, ideally 80/20 for juicy, flavorful patties
  • 23 fresh Hatch green chilis, roasted, peeled, and roughly chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or rendered beef fat for the skillet
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 small roasted red bell pepper, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat
  • 4 soft burger buns, toasted (brioche or potato buns)
  • Leafy lettuce or arugula
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast Hatch chilis and red bell pepper on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes, turning once, until skins are blistered and blackened. Let cool.
  2. Peel skins off roasted chilis and pepper. Remove stems and seeds if desired. Roughly chop chilis for patties and red pepper for aioli.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red pepper, mayonnaise, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add cayenne if desired. Refrigerate.
  4. In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with chopped roasted Hatch chilis. Season with salt and pepper. Do not overwork the meat.
  5. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil or beef fat. Heat until shimmering.
  6. Divide beef mixture into 4 equal portions (~4 oz each). Roll each into a loose ball. Place on skillet and smash firmly with spatula to about 1/2 inch thick. Leave space between patties.
  7. Cook patties undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip carefully, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but juicy.
  8. Toast burger buns in a separate pan or under broiler until golden and warm.
  9. Assemble burgers by spreading roasted pepper aioli on bottom bun, layering lettuce or arugula, cheesy smash patty, red onion slices, and pickles if using. Top with bun lid.
  10. Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use poblano peppers as a substitute for Hatch chilis if unavailable. For dairy-free, swap cheddar cheese with plant-based cheese and use vegan mayo. The aioli can be made ahead and tastes better after resting. Avoid overworking beef to keep patties tender. Press patties firmly and cook on a hot skillet for crispy edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hatch chili, cheeseburger, smash patties, roasted pepper aioli, quick burger, smoky burger, easy dinner, ground beef, summer recipe