Chili Cheese Fry Burger with Homemade Sauce
A loaded burger combining seasoned beef patties, crispy fries, and a creamy chili-cheese sauce made from processed cheese, roasted green chiles, and sour cream. The chili seasoning ties the components together with warmth and spice. Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or feeding a crowd. This version streamlines assembly by cooking components simultaneously and finishing with a smooth, pourable cheese sauce rather than melting slices onto patties.
Ingredients
- ½ bag frozen French fries, from 2 pound bag
- 1 package chili seasoning mix original, divided
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 6 hamburger rollsbrioche buns1:1grain
richer, less crumbly
- 8 oz prepared cheese product, cubed, such as Velveetashredded cheddar + 1 tbsp butter1:1dairy
melts differently, use 160°F oven to heat instead of microwave
- 1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles, undrained
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsps milk
Instructions
- 1
Bake frozen fries according to package directions.
- 2
Mix 2 tablespoons seasoning mix with ground beef until evenly combined.
- 3
Divide beef into 6 equal portions and shape into patties.
- 4
Grill patties over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- 5
Toast hamburger roll halves on the grill open-side down for about 30 seconds until golden.
- 6
Combine cheese product, green chiles with liquid, sour cream, milk, and remaining seasoning mix in a microwavable bowl.
- 7
Microwave mixture on high for 2 minutes, then stir.
- 8
Microwave an additional 1 minute until heated through, then stir until smooth.
- 9
Place each patty on a toasted roll, top with fries, then pour cheese sauce over.
Tips
Cook fries and burgers simultaneously on separate grill zones or use oven and stovetop to speed prep. Cheese sauce can be made while patties grill.
For smoother cheese sauce, add milk in increments during microwaving. If it breaks or separates, whisk in a tablespoon of sour cream to re-emulsify.
Shape patties with a slight thumbprint indent in the center to prevent them from puffing up and losing their flat burger form during grilling.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled burgers covered up to 1 day. Cheese sauce keeps refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat sauce in microwave in 30-second intervals.
Prepare cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Cook fries and patties day-of for best texture and temperature.
Serve immediately while fries are crisp and cheese sauce is warm. Provide extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the thumbprint indent when shaping patties to avoid them puffing up and becoming thick hockey pucks.
Do not use low heat when grilling burgers to avoid dried-out exteriors with raw centers.
Do not stir the cheese sauce too vigorously during microwaving to avoid incorporating air and creating a grainy texture.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
melts differently, use 160°F oven to heat instead of microwave
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead?
Yes, prepare it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in a microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals, until smooth and pourable.
What if I don't have a grill?
Cook patties in a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side. Toast rolls in a dry skillet or under a broiler. Fries can be baked or air-fried as directed.
How long do leftovers keep?
Assembled burgers are best eaten fresh. Store components separately: patties and fries up to 3 days refrigerated, sauce up to 3 days. Assemble as needed.