Southwestern Burgers

• 1 teaspoon salt
• Several grinds of black pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (90 percent lean, such as ground sirloin or round)
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup (1 4-ounce can) chopped green chile
• Grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese combination, crisply fried bacon, guacamole, crushed corn chips, refried beans (optional)

1. Preheat the grill, if using.
2. Add salt and pepper to the ground beef and mix well.
3. Shape into 4 patties, making sure the edges are uniformly thick and smooth.
4. If pan-searing, heat a heavy, well-seasoned skillet.
5. Add the burgers to the hot grill or skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, to the desired doneness.
6. If desired, toast the buns on the grill or in the skillet 2 to 3 minutes before the burgers are done.
7. Top the burgers with the green chile about a minute before they are done.
8. Place the burgers on the bottom half of the buns.
9. Add toppings as desired.

salt, black pepper, lean ground beef, buns, green chile, cheese combination

Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/southwestern-burgers (may not work)