Chili Cheeseburgers

• 5 pounds ground beef
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• One 14.5-ounce can kidney beans, drained
• One 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 3 good-quality hamburger buns
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• Thin Fries, for serving, optional

1. Divide the ground beef in half and form 6 somewhat-thin patties out of one of the halves.
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Fry the patties over medium to medium-low heat in a large skillet, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
4. Set aside.
5. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the rest of the ground beef, the garlic, onions and some salt and pepper and cook until browned.
6. Drain off the grease and mix in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder and cumin.
7. Cook until nice and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
9. Lay half of each bun on 6 plates (so each plate gets half a bun.).
10. Lay 1 patty on each bun piece, then divide the cheese among the patties.
11. Ladle the hot chili all over the patties.
12. Serve with Thin Fries if desired.

ground beef, salt, garlic, onion, tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, buns, cheddar, fries

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chili-cheeseburgers.html (may not work)