Green Hamburger Chile

Green Hamburger Chile is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the savory richness of ground beef with the vibrant kick of roasted green chile. This comforting recipe combines tender beef with diced tomatoes, garlic, and onions in a rich, slightly thickened sauce.

Perfect for a satisfying meal, it’s easy to make and packs a punch with its bold, southwestern flavors. Whether served over rice, with tortillas, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Green Hamburger Chile

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

1 cup roasted green chile, diced

1/2 onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)

2 tablespoons flour

Garlic salt, to taste

Salt, to taste

3 cups water

Instructions:

Cook the Meat:

In a large skillet or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.

Season:

Season with garlic salt and regular salt to taste.

Once the beef is almost fully cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Flour:

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flour to coat the meat and slightly brown.

Add Tomatoes and Chile:

Stir in the diced tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and roasted green chile. Mix thoroughly.

Add Water:

Gradually add 3 cups of water to the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Simmer:

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the chile and adjust the seasoning with more salt or garlic salt if needed. If the consistency is too thick for your liking, add a little more water and stir.

Serve:

Once done, serve the Green Hamburger Chile hot. It pairs well with rice, tortillas, or as a topping for other dishes.

Notes:

Green Chile:

Fresh vs. Roasted: If using fresh green chiles, roast and peel them before dicing. Roasting adds a smoky depth to the dish.

Heat Level: Adjust the amount of green chile based on your preferred spice level. Some chiles can be quite hot, so taste as you go.

Beef Options:

Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef will result in a less greasy dish. You can also use ground turkey or a blend of meats if you prefer.

Thickening the Sauce:

Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, simply add more water until you reach your desired consistency.

Tomatoes:

Fresh vs. Canned: Fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor, but canned diced tomatoes are a convenient alternative and can make the dish richer and slightly more robust.

Seasoning:

Taste and Adjust: The amount of garlic salt and regular salt needed can vary based on personal preference and the saltiness of the beef. Always taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking.

Cooking Time:

Simmering: Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the dish to cook slowly helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions:

Accompaniments: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, tortillas, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese for added flavor.

Storage:

Leftovers: This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.

The recipe will still be flavorful, though the taste and texture may be slightly different.

What if I don’t have roasted green chiles?

If you don’t have roasted green chiles, you can use canned green chiles or even fresh green chiles that you roast yourself.

Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned tomatoes.

Dice them finely and add them along with the roasted green chiles.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more roasted green chiles or include a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Green Hamburger Chile ahead of time.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more water, a bit at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Stir well to incorporate.

How do I thicken the chile if it’s too watery?

If the chile is too watery, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid, or mix a small amount of flour with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chile to thicken.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.

Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the onions.

What is the best way to serve Green Hamburger Chile?

Green Hamburger Chile can be served over rice, with tortillas, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

It also pairs well with a side of beans or a fresh salad.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or adding more beans and vegetables for protein and texture.