Chili Cheeseburgers

Chili Cheeseburgers

Loaded with spicy, smoky, made-from-scratch chili, this recipe for chili cheeseburgers is one of the all-time greats.

Ingredients :

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• burgers:
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 slices american cheese
• 8 hamburger buns, split
• 1 cup french-fried onions
• optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in tomato juice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, chipotle pepper and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30 minutes. Stir in kidney beans; heat through.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef, salt, pepper and garlic powder, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape eight 1/2-in.-thick patties. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160°, 3-4 minutes on each side. Top with cheese; grill, covered, until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes longer. Grill buns over medium heat, cut side down, until toasted, 30-60 seconds. Serve burgers on buns with chili, french-fried onions and, if desired, optional toppings.