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Chili Cheese Smash Burgers with Spicy Beef Chili

Juicy double smash burgers topped with homemade spicy beef chili and melted cheddar cheese on buttery toasted brioche buns.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spicy Beef Chili
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 jalapeño finely diced
Smash Burgers
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 brioche buns
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
Optional Toppings
  • pickles
  • jalapeño slices
  • green onions chopped
  • crispy bacon

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or griddle
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, then add garlic and jalapeño.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Simmer 20–25 minutes until thick.
  4. Divide burger beef into 8 loose balls and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Butter and toast brioche buns until golden brown.
  6. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Smash burger balls flat and cook 2 minutes until crispy.
  7. Flip burgers, top with cheddar cheese, and cook another 1–2 minutes.
  8. Stack two patties on each bun, spoon chili over top, add desired toppings, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese and serve with crispy fries or onion rings.