A queso fundido burger basically translates to cheeseburger, but it sounds more adventurous as queso fundido, right? By combining flavorful chorizo with ground beef, we create a patty that bursts with Mexican flavor in every bite. Topped with not one, but two slices of Monterey Jack cheese, these burgers are a melty, cheesy deliciousness. Add roasted peppers and onions for a bit of sweetness and you've got a burger that's anything but ordinary. It's a fun and exciting twist on the classic cheeseburger that's sure to spice up your summer barbecues.
How awesome it would be served with a skillet melted cheese? Or we serve them with a side Baked Chili-Lime French Fries For a match made in heaven.
Why our recipe?
- This is a recreation of Rick Bayless' winning burger on Top Chef Masters so you know it's going to be good!
- The combination of chorizo and ground beef makes for one of the tastiest patties you'll ever have.
- The toppings are simple with cheese, fried onions and poblano and guacamole.
This burger is inspired by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. He is a master chef of all things Mexican. He competed on and won Bravo's Top Chef Masters! She actually made a queso fundido burger while on the show and won her challenge with it. Today I'm taking that winning dish and turning it into a winner that you can easily make at home.
Material notes
- Ground Pork Chorizo: Use raw ground chorizo, often sold in plastic-wrapped rolls in the Mexican-foods refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- Ground beef: Choose an 80/20 mix to ensure a juicy burger.
- Chili Powder: Adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Poblano peppers: Available alongside bell peppers at your grocery store. If you like more spice, you can mix in some thinly sliced jalapeños or serranos.
- onion: Use white or yellow. If you're a big onion fan, feel free to use two!
- garlic: Measure it with your heart.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. You can also use other Mexican processed cheeses like Oaxaca or Queso Asadero if you can find them.
- Hamburger bun: Firm buns like potato buns are perfect for holding all the delicious toppings and juicy patties.
- Guacamole: Buy or use from a quality store do it yourself.
Ground Pork Chorizo
Where to find it
In the United States, ground pork chorizo is often found in the Mexican-food refrigerated section of your grocery store. It is usually sold in plastic-wrapped rolls, making it easily identifiable. You can also find it in the meat section, packaged like ground beef or pork. Look for labels like “Mexican chorizo” or “ground chorizo.”
It's cooking
The ground chorizo needs to be fully cooked before combining it with the ground beef for your burger. Chorizo usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes to cook, depending on the heat level and the amount you're cooking. You'll know it's done when it turns brown and the fat renders, leaving a flavorful, crumbly mixture.
Why cook separately?
Chorizo must be fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, which is higher than the temperature required for ground beef burgers. Additionally, chorizo takes longer to cook than beef, so it's important to cook it separately to ensure it's safe to eat. Once the chorizo is fully cooked, it can be combined with ground beef to create a perfectly blended patty bursting with flavor.
Internal cooking temperature
In the United States, burgers are safe to cook medium, but note that recommendations may vary in other locations.
the middle: It gives you the juiciest results. When they reach 140°F (about 5 minutes per side) pull them out of the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the temperature will rise to 145°F.
Medium well: If you're not a fan of pink and still want a juicy burger, you can get the best of both worlds with medium-well. Aim for an internal temperature of 150°F and rest at 155°F, which will be an additional 1 to 2 minutes per side.
hello: Be aware that well-done burgers are usually less juicy and a little dry, but if that's what you like, go for it! The chorizo in this burger will help keep this burger juicy. This will bring your cooking time to about 8 minutes per side.
Remember, using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your burger reaches the desired doneness without overcooking it.
The size of your patty
The burger shrinks while cooking, even with half of this burger pre-cooked chorizo. To make sure your burgers fit perfectly into your buns, aim to make your patties about 1/2 inch wider than the surrounding buns. Now a little extra width means a perfect fit later!
Toasting your bun
Toasting your buns on these moist and juicy burgers will help keep them from getting soggy with all those toppings. Sear them cut-side down in a skillet for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Watch them closely to avoid burns.
More fun with burgers…
Watch the video See how to make this amazing burger. It's absolutely drool-worthy! Like I said in the video, making this burger is worth every second because it's out of this world delicious!
