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The Carolina Burger

The Carolina Burger: A Southern Flavor Explosion You’ll Love

Experience the Carolina Burger, a delightful Southern dish packed with rich chili and creamy coleslaw, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Coleslaw
  • 1 package Coleslaw Mix Substitution: Use pre-packaged slaw mix or finely shredded cabbage.
  • 1/4 cup Minced Onion Substitution: Chopped green onions or shallots can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Duke's Mayonnaise Substitution: Any preferred mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar Substitution: White wine vinegar can be used instead.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Substitution: Honey or agave syrup can work.
  • 1 teaspoon Celery Seed Substitution: Omit if unavailable; could use poppy seeds for a different taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Substitution: Fresh garlic or other spices can be used for variation.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
For the Chili
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitution: Ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • 1 packet Chili Seasoning Substitution: Make your own with a mix of spices including cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
  • 1 cup Water No substitutions necessary.
  • 1/2 small Sweet Onion Substitution: Regular onion if sweet onion is not available.
  • 1 cup Ketchup Substitution: BBQ sauce can work in place of ketchup.
For the Burger Patties
  • 1/2 pound Ground Chuck Substitution: Use lean ground beef or alternate meats as desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Steak Seasoning Substitution: Basic salt and pepper can be used if steak seasoning is unavailable.
  • 1 slice Cheddar Cheese Substitution: Other cheeses like pepper jack or American can be used.
  • 4 buns Bakery Buns Substitution: Whole wheat or gluten-free buns as alternatives.
For Assembly
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard Substitution: Dijon mustard for a fancier flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Diced Onions Substitution: Pickles or jalapeños for added zing.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, minced onion, Duke's mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture is creamy, then cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld for at least 20 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in the chili seasoning, water, minced onion, and ketchup, mixing thoroughly. Allow this mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. Divide the ground chuck into four equal portions, shaping them into thin patties, about ¾ inch thick. Season each side generously with steak seasoning. Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat, and cook the patties for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness.
  4. Once the patties are ready, take the bakery buns and spread yellow mustard on the inside of each bun. Start with a burger patty on the bottom half, adding optional melted cheddar cheese, followed by a generous scoop of the hotdog chili. Top with a helping of the creamy coleslaw and diced onions. Cap off your creation with the top bun, and press down gently to secure everything together.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burgerCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap assembled burgers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh.

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