The Chile Relleno Stuffed Burger is a glorious hybrid that brings together the best of Mexican and American cuisine. It takes the beloved elements of a classic cheeseburger and infuses them with the smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness of a traditional chile relleno. If you’re looking for a burger packed with bold flavors, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of heat, this is the perfect recipe for you.
Origins and Inspiration
This recipe is inspired by the Mexican dish chile relleno, which consists of roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, dipped in an egg batter, and fried until golden and crispy. Originating from Puebla, Mexico, chile relleno has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Over time, variations have emerged, with some regions adding meats or different fillings to the roasted and stuffed pepper.
Pairing chile relleno with a burger was a natural evolution, especially given the continued fusion of Mexican and American cuisines in Texas, California, and the Southwest. Burgers, one of America’s most iconic comfort foods, serve as the perfect vessel for combining these flavors in a way that is both fun and familiar.
This recipe stays true to the essence of chile relleno while adapting it for a burger format. Instead of battering and frying the peppers, they are roasted and stuffed into a juicy beef patty along with melted cheese, creating an inside-out chile relleno effect. The smokiness of the poblano peppers complements the rich, beefy flavors of the grilled burger, while the gooey Oaxaca cheese provides the ultimate melty factor.
Flavor Profile
This burger is a flavor explosion in every bite. The roasted poblano peppers lend a deep, smoky heat that is mild but incredibly flavorful. The Oaxaca cheese, known for its stringy, melty texture, creates a luxurious, creamy filling that oozes out with each bite.
To enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors, this recipe includes:
– Garlic powder and ground cumin in the burger patty, adding warmth and depth.
– A chipotle mayo sauce, which brings a tangy, smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the richness of the burger.
– Avocado slices, providing a creamy, fresh contrast.
– Buttery brioche buns, toasted for the perfect crisp and soft texture combination.
Cooking Techniques for the Perfect Chile Relleno Burger
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Roasting the Poblano Peppers
Roasting the poblanos before stuffing them is a crucial step. Charring the skin over an open flame or under a broiler enhances the smoky flavor and makes the peppers more pliable for stuffing inside the burger patties. -
Sealing the Stuffed Burger Patties
The patties must be carefully formed and sealed around the stuffed poblanos and cheese. This ensures that the cheese doesn’t leak out during cooking while providing a perfectly juicy texture. -
Cooking to Perfection
Since these burgers are stuffed, they require slightly longer cooking times than regular hamburgers. Cooking them on medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C) for about 5-6 minutes per side ensures that the beef is cooked through while keeping the center cheesy and gooey. -
Toasting the Brioche Buns
Lightly toasting the buns before assembling prevents them from getting soggy from the juicy burger and sauce. The added crispness also elevates the burger’s texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– A Perfect Fusion: If you love Mexican flavors but crave a juicy burger, this is the best of both worlds.
– Cheesy Goodness: The molten Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack as a substitute) will satisfy any cheese lover.
– Smoky & Spicy Layers: The roasted poblano peppers, cumin, and chipotle mayo create the perfect smoky, slightly spicy bite.
– Great for Grilling: This burger is an ideal BBQ recipe, bringing something unexpected and unique to your usual cookout.
The Chile Relleno Stuffed Burger is not just a burger—it’s an experience. It brings nostalgia for traditional chile rellenos while introducing an exciting hand-held format. Whether you make it for family dinners, game day, or summer cookouts, it’s guaranteed to impress burger enthusiasts and Mexican food lovers alike.
For those who love experimenting with bold flavors, try switching up the cheese with queso Chihuahua or adding crispy bacon for an extra punch of savory richness. However you customize it, one thing is for sure—you’ll be making this mouthwatering creation again and again! 🍔🔥🌶️
Chile Relleno Stuffed Burger
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend) For optimal juiciness
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder Adds depth of flavor
Chile Relleno Filling
- 2 medium poblano peppers Roasted, peeled, and deseeded
- 1 cup Oaxaca cheese Shredded, or substitute Monterey Jack
- ¼ tsp ground cumin Enhances the smoky flavor
Burger Assembly
- 4 medium brioche burger buns Lightly toasted
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce Finely chopped for a smoky kick
- 1 medium avocado Sliced
- ½ cup lettuce Crisp romaine or butter lettuce
Instructions
- Roast the Poblanos: Preheat broiler to high. Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil for about 5 minutes per side until the skin is charred. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel off charred skin, remove seeds, and slice into large strips.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix shredded Oaxaca cheese with ground cumin. Stuff roasted poblano strips with the cheese mixture and set aside.
- Form the Patties: In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin patty.
- Encase the Filling: Place a poblano-cheese filling on four of the patties. Top with remaining patties, sealing edges tightly to encase the filling.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Cook patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Make the Chipotle Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with chopped chipotle in a small bowl. Spread onto toasted brioche buns.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place lettuce on bottom buns, top with stuffed burger, then slices of avocado. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, grill the poblano peppers instead of broiling them.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the cheese filling.