Chili Boy from Swensons features a juicy, seasoned beef patty topped with their signature chili, melted cheddar cheese, diced onions, and a toasted bun, delivering a hearty and flavorful burger experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Cheese slicer or shredder
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle or spoon
- Toaster or grill for buns
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup kidney beans
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced fresh onions
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Ground beef quality plays a crucial role in achieving the juicy texture characteristic of the Chili Boy burger. Using canned crushed tomatoes and kidney beans ensures a rich and authentic chili topping, while the blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powders brings out the signature bold flavor. Fresh diced onions add a crunchy contrast, so keep them finely chopped for the best texture balance. Toasting your hamburger buns with butter enhances the overall flavor and helps prevent sogginess when assembling the burger. Your homemade Chili Boy from Swensons copycat menu will closely match the hearty and flavorful experience of the original when these ingredient details are carefully considered.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; mix gently and form into 4 burger patties.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add chili powder, cumin, remaining salt, remaining black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and tomato paste. Stir for about 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and 1/2 cup diced onions to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Simmer chili for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- While chili simmers, cook beef patties on grill/griddle for 3–4 minutes per side, until cooked to desired doneness.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking; cover to melt cheese.
- Butter buns lightly and toast on grill/griddle or toaster until golden brown.
- Place beef patties with melted cheese on bottom halves of toasted buns.
- Spoon chili generously over each patty.
- Top with a sprinkle of diced fresh onions.
- Cover with top halves of buns.
- Serve immediately on a tray or plate.
Substitution
The Chili Boy from Swensons copycat menu offers a deliciously seasoned beef patty topped with rich chili, melted cheddar, and fresh diced onions on a toasted bun. If kidney beans are unavailable, you can substitute with black beans or omit them for a smoother chili texture. When grilling the patties, using a griddle provides even heat distribution, ensuring consistent cooking. For cheese options, sharp or mild cheddar both work well depending on your preference, and slicing your own cheese allows for better melt quality. Buttering the buns before toasting enhances flavor and prevents sogginess, elevating your burger experience.
Tips
When forming your beef patties, handle the meat gently to avoid compacting it too much, which can result in a dense burger. Ensure the grill or griddle is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking to achieve a perfect sear and lock in juices. While simmering the chili, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan, allowing flavors to meld and thicken properly. Toasting the buns with butter adds a rich flavor and crispy texture that enhances your Chili Boy experience.
Nutritions
The Chili Boy from Swensons provides a balanced mix of protein and fiber, with the seasoned beef patty delivering approximately 22 grams of protein per serving, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. Kidney beans contribute a good source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, while the tomatoes and onions offer antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids. You can enjoy a flavorful burger that not only satisfies taste buds but also supplies important nutrients for a hearty meal.
Storage
Store any leftover Chili Boy components separately in airtight containers; refrigerate patties, chili, and buns within two hours to prevent bacterial growth. To maintain optimal flavor and texture, consume refrigerated components within 3 days, reheating patties and chili thoroughly on a grill or stovetop before assembling your burger again. Freezing cooked patties and chili is possible for up to 1 month, but buns are best stored fresh or refrigerated to avoid sogginess upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still holds flavor well. Instead of kidney beans, consider black beans or pinto beans, which offer slightly different textures and mild taste variations. Adding a splash of beer or coffee to the chili while simmering can deepen the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish. Toast buns with a light spread of garlic butter to infuse extra aroma and richness into your Chili Boy burger experience.
Allergies
The Chili Boy from Swensons contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and butter used for toasting the buns, as well as wheat present in the hamburger buns. Ground beef and kidney beans may also cause sensitivities for some individuals, and the inclusion of onion and garlic powders can trigger reactions in those with allium intolerance. To ensure your safety, always check with the restaurant about potential cross-contamination and ingredient substitutions before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Chili Boy from Swensons restaurant is loved for its perfectly seasoned, savory chili topped on a classic Swensons burger, creating a rich and flavorful combination that entices taste buds. The menu item stands out with its authentic, hearty ingredients and balanced spice level, making it a unique culinary experience. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic taste at home while customizing heat and toppings to your personal preference. Your copycat Chili Boy can replicate the delightful blend of textures and bold flavors that have made Swensons a beloved local favorite.