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Zesty Chili Burger Recipe for Grill Masters

Ground beef mixed with chili powder, chili sauce, fresh green pepper, and onion creates a deeply seasoned burger foundation that transforms basic ingredients into something genuinely satisfying. Grilled to juicy perfection and topped with melted cheese and fresh onions, these bold, flavorful patties deliver far more than standard hamburgers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 large green pepper chopped
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Begin by combining all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 large green pepper (chopped), 1 small onion (chopped), 2 tablespoons chili sauce, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in dense, tough patties. Once combined, divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each one into a patty about three-quarters of an inch thick.
  3. Heat your grill to medium-high heat, or preheat a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill grates or in the skillet and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time.
  4. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired doneness—for medium burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. Watch for the juices to run clear as an indicator that the burgers are cooked through.
  5. Once cooked to your preference, remove the patties from the heat and serve them hot on your choice of buns. Top each burger with extra chili sauce, shredded cheese, and additional chopped onion for extra flavor and texture.
  6. The combination of toppings complements the zesty chili seasoning baked into the patties, creating a satisfying meal that’s more flavorful than standard hamburgers.

Notes

Chili Burger Substitutions and Variations

Now that you’ve got the basic chili burger down, you might be wondering if you can shake things up a bit—and honestly, you totally can. I’d swap the green pepper for red or yellow ones if I’m feeling fancy, or skip it entirely for a simpler version.
Want heat? Double the chili powder or add jalapeños. Prefer milder? Cut back on both. Ground turkey works instead of beef for something leaner, though you’ll lose that rich flavor. Try mixing in cooked beans for texture, or experiment with different hot sauces replacing the chili sauce. The beauty here is flexibility.