Ultimate Chili Cheese Burger

Ingredients

Ground beef

1 pound (80/20 blend for juiciness)

Salt

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Cheddar cheese

4 slices

Chili

2 cups (homemade or store-bought)

Hamburger buns

4, preferably brioche or sesame

Lettuce

4 leaves (iceberg or romaine)

Tomato

1 large, sliced

Onion

1 small, thinly sliced

Pickles

1/2 cup, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ideally around 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, then form into 4 equal-sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
3. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on one side.
4. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until they reach your desired doneness (160°F for medium). In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
5. While the burgers are cooking, heat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
6. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. To assemble the burgers, start with the bottom half of each bun. Layer with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a few slices of onion and pickles.
8. Top with the cheeseburger patty, a generous spoonful of chili, and finish with the top half of the bun.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fries or a crisp salad.