Chilean Chacarero Burger: The Ultimate Green Bean Twist You Need to Try

When it comes to unique and flavorful burgers, the Chilean Chacarero stands out with its unexpected twist—green beans! This vibrant sandwich is a staple in Chilean cuisine, combining tender beef, fresh veggies, and a hint of spice for a truly unforgettable bite. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

Chilean Chacarero Burger: Green Bean Twist

When it comes to burgers, I love stepping outside the box, and the Chilean Chacarero Burger is one of those masterpieces you just can’t forget. The green beans give it a fresh crunch that takes this burger to the next level. Let me walk you through how to create this unique and flavorful sandwich.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of beef sirloin (ground, with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning the beef)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 4 soft sandwich rolls (lightly toasted)
• 2 cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed, blanched
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh chili peppers, thinly sliced (I prefer banana peppers, or use jalapeños for extra heat)
• 1 cup lettuce leaves (crisp and fresh)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Drop the fresh green beans into the boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel. Set these aside.

1. Cook the Patties:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with half the salt and pepper. Form into 4 evenly-sized patties, about ¾-inch thick. Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with butter, then add the patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your preference. Let the patties rest for 2 minutes once removed from heat.

1. Toast the Rolls:

Slice the sandwich rolls in half and toast the insides on the skillet or grill using the remaining butter. You’re looking for golden tips that’ll hold all the juicy flavors together.

1. Assemble the Burger:

Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll. Add a layer of lettuce, then the beef patty. Pile on a generous portion of blanched green beans followed by a couple of tomato slices. Top with spicy chili peppers for that signature heat. Add the top bun, firmly press down, and enjoy.

1. Serve and Devour:

I recommend serving these burgers fresh off the grill with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. The green beans combined with the juicy beef and spicy peppers create a flavor-packed bite every time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to craft this Chilean Chacarero Burger masterpiece with its signature green bean twist. Trust me, these precise components create a flavorful, unforgettable burger experience.

For The Beef Patty

• 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 for the perfect balance)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for cooking)

For The Green Bean Topping

• 1 cup of fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

For The Spicy Base Sauce

• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of aji chili paste (or your favorite spicy chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Additional Toppings

• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of fresh lettuce leaves
• 1-2 thinly sliced pickled jalapeños (optional, for an extra kick)

For The Bun

• 4 soft burger buns (brioche or your favorite choice)
• 2 tablespoons of butter, softened (for toasting)

Tools And Equipment

When it comes to crafting the perfect Chilean Chacarero Burger, having the right tools and equipment is just as important as using fresh, quality ingredients. I’ve learned over the years—both in my burger joint days and now while experimenting at home—that the right gear makes the process smoother and the flavors shine. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need to nail this recipe:

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill or stovetop: A grill brings out that smoky, char-grilled flavor in the beef patties, but a stovetop with a sturdy cast-iron skillet works beautifully too.
• Mixing bowl: Use this to thoroughly combine your ground beef with the seasonings without making a mess.
• Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for slicing tomatoes, prepping green beans, and getting those toppings just right.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board is a must for safe and efficient prep.
• Baking sheet: Useful for roasting green beans if you’re not sautéing them in a pan.
• Non-stick frying pan or sauté pan: Perfect for tossing fresh green beans till they’re tender and slightly blistered in olive oil.
• Spatula: You’ll need this for flipping burgers on the grill or skillet without tearing them.
• Toaster or small pan: For lightly toasting your sandwich rolls to golden perfection.
• Measuring spoons: Precision is key when blending the spicy base sauce, so these come in handy.
• Small whisk or spoon: Ideal for stirring together the mayonnaise-based aji chili spread.

Additional Gear For A Seamless Cooking Experience

• Burger press (optional): If you’re into achieving consistently shaped patties, a burger press comes in handy. I like mine super uniform!
• Tongs: Great for turning green beans as they cook or lifting patties off the grill without squishing them.
• Serving tray or large platter: Assemble everything neatly and serve your Chacareros in style.

Having these tools ready is half the battle. Trust me, the right equipment can save time and make every step—from patty grilling to sauce spreading—more enjoyable.

Directions

Making the Chilean Chacarero Burger is easy and fun if you follow these steps. Let’s get cooking and create a flavorful masterpiece together.

Prep The Green Beans

Start by trimming the ends of 1 cup of fresh green beans. Blanch them in a pot of boiling salted water for 3 minutes. Immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to lock in their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Drain them well and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside for later.

Prep The Spicy Base Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of aji chili paste, 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice, and a dash of smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Shape And Cook The Beef Patty

Take 1 pound of ground beef and season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Gently mix the meat and spices with your hands, being careful not to overwork it. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2 inch thick.

Heat your grill or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness. Let the patties rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.

Toast The Buns

Slice four burger buns in half and toast them on the grill or in a toaster until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Toasting adds a beautiful crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy.

Assemble The Burger

Spread a generous layer of spicy base sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add a cooked beef patty to the bun, then pile on a handful of the prepared green beans. Layer with fresh tomato slices and crisp lettuce. If you like extra heat, toss on some pickled jalapeños. Crown your creation with the top bun and serve immediately. This incredible mix of flavors is one you won’t forget.

Tips For Success

Making the perfect Chilean Chacarero Burger takes a bit of finesse, and I want to share some tried-and-true tips that have helped me get it just right every time.

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients

The heart of a good Chacarero lies in the freshness of its ingredients. Opt for crisp, bright green beans that snap when you bend them and ripe, juicy tomatoes. If you can get your hands on freshly baked burger rolls, even better. Fresher ingredients will make every bite of your burger burst with flavor.

2. Don’t Overcook the Green Beans

Blanching the green beans until they’re tender-crisp is key. You want them to hold their shape and have a slight crunch to balance the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the sauce. Make sure to immediately toss them in cold water after blanching to stop the cooking process.

3. Season the Beef Pattys Well

Never skip seasoning the beef! I season the ground beef generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika before shaping the patties. This elevates the flavor and ensures every bite has a punch of smoky goodness. Be sure to mix the seasonings evenly into the beef for consistent flavor throughout.

4. Toast Those Buns

Toasted buns make a world of difference. Lightly toasting them adds texture and prevents the sauces from making the bread soggy. To toast, brush a bit of olive oil or butter on the cut sides of the buns and heat them on the grill or in a dry skillet until they’re golden and crisp around the edges.

5. Build for Balance

Layering is everything in this burger. Start with a slather of the spicy base sauce, then the beef patty. Arrange the green beans carefully for even coverage, follow with the tomato slices, and top it with fresh lettuce. This combination ensures no one ingredient overpowers the others, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

6. Don’t Skip the Spicy Base Sauce

The aji chili paste in the sauce gives the Chacarero its signature kick. If you can’t find aji chili paste, consider using sambal oelek or another medium-spice chili paste as a substitute. Whisking the sauce until smooth ensures it spreads perfectly and infuses the sandwich with bold, zesty heat in every bite.

7. Practice Patience While Grilling

When grilling the patties, resist the urge to press them down with a spatula. Pressing can squeeze out the juices and dry out the burger. Instead, cook them over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side for a 1/3-inch patty or until they hit your desired doneness. Juicy and flavorful is the goal here.

8. Serve Immediately

A Chacarero is at its absolute best when served fresh. Once the layers are in place, serve the burger right away to preserve the crispness of the veggies and the warmth of the patty. Pair it with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for an unbeatable meal.

9. Experiment and Refine

Finally, don’t be afraid to make the Chacarero your own! Add pickled jalapeños for extra heat or swap out the lettuce for arugula if you prefer a peppery bite. The beauty of cooking is finding your personal twist on signature recipes like this.

These tips should help you craft a remarkable Chacarero Burger that will impress your friends and family. With some patience and attention to detail, you’ll be nailing the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and spicy with each bite.

Conclusion

The Chilean Chacarero Burger is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. From the tender beef to the unexpected crunch of green beans, every bite offers something special. With the right tools and a little patience, this burger is surprisingly simple to recreate at home.

I hope you feel inspired to give it a try and maybe even add your own twist to this classic. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving something unique, the Chacarero is sure to impress. Happy cooking!