Cowboy Cheeseburgers

Cowboy Cheeseburgers Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cowboy Cheeseburgers are a delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger, with a spicy kick from jalapeno chiles and a unique presentation on a tortilla instead of a traditional bun.

History

The origins of Cowboy Cheeseburgers are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest. The combination of ground beef, jalapeno chiles, and spices reflects the bold and hearty flavors of cowboy cuisine.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) extra-lean ground beef
1 small onion
1 tbsp fresh jalapeno chile, minced

Seasonings mixture

0.25 tsp ground coriander
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp fresh ground pepper

Cheese

1 non-fat mozzarella cheese

Serving

4 tortillas
4 tomato slices
cilantro sprigs
1 tbsp commercial taco sauce

How to prepare

Mix the ingredients for the burgers together and shape them into patties that are about 0.25 inch thick without compacting the meat.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture of spices on both sides of the patty.
Grill or broil the patties, keeping them 4 inches away from the heat source, for 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare patties.
Place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center of each patty.
Continue cooking for another minute or until the cheese melts.
Serve each patty on a warmed 8-inch flour tortilla, topped with a slice of tomato, sprigs of cilantro, and taco sauce.

Variations

For a spicier kick, add more jalapeno chiles to the ground beef mixture.
Substitute the mozzarella cheese with pepper jack or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Serve the patties on hamburger buns instead of tortillas for a more traditional presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overwork the ground beef when forming the patties, as this can result in tough burgers.

- For a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno chile before mincing.

- To prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and running off the patty, place it in the center of the patty and cover it with the meat before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cowboy Cheeseburgers with a side of corn on the cob and a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or broiling the patties ensures a delicious charred flavor and perfectly melted cheese.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh jalapeno chiles, you can use pickled jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ground beef mixture and shape the patties ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cowboy Cheeseburgers on a platter with a colorful garnish of fresh cilantro and sliced tomatoes.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cowboy Cheeseburgers with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea for a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cowboy Cheeseburgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cowboy Cheeseburgers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cowboy Cheeseburgers contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cowboy Cheeseburgers contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cowboy Cheeseburgers contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cowboy Cheeseburgers are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Cowboy Cheeseburgers contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Cowboy Cheeseburgers are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cowboy Cheeseburgers are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with a Southwestern twist. With a spicy kick from jalapeno chiles and gooey melted cheese, these burgers are sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cowboy Cheeseburgers. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha on her ranch out in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and she had promised to teach me one of her favorite recipes that day.

As we sat on her porch, sipping iced tea and chatting about old times, Martha suddenly stood up and declared, "It's time for some Cowboy Cheeseburgers!" I was intrigued by the name and eager to learn how to make them. Martha led me to her rustic kitchen, where she pulled out all the ingredients we would need.

The first step was to mix ground beef with chopped onions and garlic, along with a special blend of spices that Martha had inherited from her grandmother. As we worked together, Martha shared stories of her childhood on the ranch and the many meals she had enjoyed with her family.

Next, we formed the seasoned beef mixture into patties and grilled them over an open flame. The smell of sizzling meat filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Martha then showed me how to toast the buns on the grill, adding a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.

Once the patties were cooked to perfection, we topped them with slices of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Martha explained that the combination of flavors and textures was what made these burgers truly special. To finish them off, we added a dollop of tangy barbecue sauce and a few slices of ripe avocado.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Martha told me the story of how she had learned to make Cowboy Cheeseburgers. It all started when she was a young girl, helping her father with the ranch chores. One day, a group of cowboys arrived at their homestead, tired and hungry from a long day of work.

Martha's father welcomed them with open arms and invited them to stay for dinner. With limited ingredients on hand, Martha's mother had to get creative with her cooking. She improvised a recipe for cheeseburgers using whatever she could find in the pantry, including leftover bacon and a jar of homemade barbecue sauce.

The cowboys devoured the burgers with gusto, declaring them the best they had ever tasted. From that day on, Martha's family had dubbed them Cowboy Cheeseburgers, a name that stuck through the generations.

As I took my first bite of the juicy burger, I understood why this recipe had become a family favorite. The smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and creamy avocado melded together in a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I savored every bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from Martha and carry on the tradition of making Cowboy Cheeseburgers.

After our meal, Martha passed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with her own notes and modifications. She told me that it was now my turn to share this delicious dish with my loved ones and pass it down to future generations.

As I left Martha's ranch that evening, I felt a deep sense of connection to my friend and her family history. I knew that every time I made Cowboy Cheeseburgers, I would think of her and the special bond we shared over food and memories. And as I continued to collect recipes and stories from the people I met along my journey, I realized that the true joy of cooking lies in the connections we make and the traditions we carry on.