Smash Burger Chili

This recipe combines two great dishes - smash burgers and chili. Substituting typical meat choices for chili with crumbled smash burgers makes for an interesting and unique flavor since most chili meat is either browned or slow cooked. The key to success is adjusting the spice combination for the smash burgers to work with your spices for the chili recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of ground beef (I prefer 80/20 or 85/15 for higher fat content)

  • Your favorite smash burger spice seasoning such as Lane’s SPG or our San Jacinto spice blend

  • 1-2 28 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes (I prefer chunky so typically only use one can; if you like your chili soupy, use both cans)

  • 1 4 ounce can of tomato paste

  • 1-2 jalapenos, chopped

  • 1 medium red or yellow onion, chopped

  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon of mince garlic

  • Avocado oil

  • Preferred chili seasoning

Directions:

  1. Combine the meat and seasoning together to form smash burger patties. We prefer to add some of the chopped onion into the smash burger meet. Bring thegriddle or grill to at least 400 degrees and place patties on the cooking surface while pressing them down to form a thin patty. The goal here is to get thin burgers that have a solid crust on them from the high heat. Flip when ready. You should see a nice brown surface on the patty. Set aside to cool. Note: for this recipe, I typically make very large smash burgers because they are quicker to get on the grill.

  2. Place onions, peppers, and jalapeños into a dutch oven or skillet with some avocado oil. Cook on medium heat until the vegetables soften and the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

  3. Combine crushed tomatoes and tomato paste in the pan.

  4. Add your favorite chili seasoning mix.

  5. Crumble the smash burger meat into manageable chunks into the chili.

  6. Cook for at least 1-2 hours.

  7. Optional garnishes: green onion, sour cream, yellow onion, cheddar cheese, and cilantro. As we say in the Texas, “all the way,” which means onions plus cheese.


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