Sammich Saturday: Frito Pie Burger

Do you remember those cold nights at high school football games? The ones where you were running around under the bleachers with your best friends, not paying a bit of attention to the actual game taking place, stopping at the concession stand for a soda and a frito pie? Those were the best nights, weren't they?

And now, as the colder weather is getting near we start to think about those cold weather foods that we love so much. Frito pie is one of those foods for me, and when I saw Shawnda post this burger, I almost fell out of my chair in disbelief. No way could this concession stand food be piled on top of a burger!! But yes. Yes, my friends, it is. How beautiful is that? I've heard nasty rumors that this is primarily a Texas dish, but I'm hoping that isn't true. It just wouldn't be fair for the rest of the country (world) to miss out on Frito Pie!!

My friends often laugh at me because I try so hard to plan healthy menus, but it never fails that something like this comes along and I just can not say no. I'm weak, what can I say? But, let's be honest...would you be able to pass this up?? Hmm??

I didn't think so.

I don't know what I can even say about it that isn't a given...a nice juicy burger, topped with jalapenos, fritos (I used chili cheese fritos!), chili, and shredded cheese. Heaven, I tell ya. Pure heaven.

It's rainy today in Austin, as I have heard it is throughout most of Texas. The temperatures aren't quite cold yet, but they are cooler, so what better excuse to get in the kitchen and make this burger?? Even if you aren't in Texas...you can bring a little bit of Texas to your kitchen with a meal like this.

Frito Pie Burger
Source: Confections of a Foodie Bride

Ingredients

• 1/3-lb ground beef 
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup of chili (homemade or *gasp* Wolf brand)
• 2 burger buns
• mayo or mustard
• 2 fresh jalapenos, sliced
• Fritos corn chips (regular or chili cheese)
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar

Preparation

1. Mix the ground beef, garlic powder, Worcestershire, salt & pepper together in a bowl until well combined. Form the mixture into two burger patties.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook patties for 3-5 minutes per side, until your desired doneness. Meanwhile, heat the chili in a small saucepan over medium heat, until very hot.
3. Toast your burger buns, if you like. Spread mayo or mustard on the bottom buns, then top with a burger patties.
4. Top the burger with jalapeno slices, a small handful of Fritos, chopped white onion, a scoop of chili, and a 1/4 cup of grated cheddar.
5. Marvel at the beauty of your creation, and then...devour it!!