Southwestern Poblano Cheeseburger with Queso Sauce

Level: Easy | Yield: 4 servings | Total Time: 55 min (Prep: 15 min | Inactive: 15 min | Cook: 25 min)

Nutritional Information Per Serving

About This Recipe

Indulge in this seriously tasty cheeseburger that celebrates bold Southwestern flavors at their finest. Instead of ordinary sliced cheese, a rich and melty queso sauce made with creamy Monterey Jack creates an irresistible foundation topped with roasted poblano chiles and a delightful crunch from blue corn tortilla chips. The versatile queso sauce doubles as an outstanding dip for extra chips or fries, making this burger an all-around crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

1 large poblano chile
2 tablespoons canola oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pounds ground chuck (80% lean) or ground turkey (90% lean)
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted if desired
12 blue or yellow corn tortilla chips

For the Queso Sauce:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cups whole milk
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Poblano Chile
Preheat the oven to 375F. Place the chile on a rimmed baking sheet, rub with 1 tablespoon of oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until the skin is blackened, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 15 minutes. Peel, stem, seed, and coarsely chop the chile.

Step 2: Make the Queso Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk, increase heat to high, and cook while whisking constantly until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper, and keep warm.

Step 3: Form and Cook the Burgers
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion loosely into a -inch-thick burger and make a deep indentation in the center with your thumb. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Cook the burgers using the remaining 1 tablespoons oil until cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Place each burger on a bun bottom and top with a few tablespoons of queso sauce, tortilla chips, and roasted poblano. Cover with the bun top and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Toasting Your Burger Buns

For the best taste and texture, lightly toast your buns. On a grill, grill pan, or griddle, place split buns cut side down and grill until light golden brown, about 10 seconds. Alternatively, arrange split bun halves cut side up on a baking sheet and broil under a preheated broiler for about 30 seconds. Watch carefullyyou want a lightly golden exterior that maintains the soft, tender interior of the bun.