Ohio-Style Cincinnati Chili Burgers

Introduction

Bring an iconic Ohio flavor right to your backyard with these Cincinnati Chili Burgers. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, these juicy burgers are reverse-seared to perfection on the Arteflame Grill. Each bite delivers a sweet-savory depth that's unmistakably Ohio, and the seared crust locks in every ounce of flavor. With a pile of shredded cheese on top, these burgers are a surefire hit at any cookout.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 2 tbsp finely minced onion
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 burger buns
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Butter for grilling

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins, then light the paper to ignite the firewood.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat cooktop is sizzling hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until the spices are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
3. Form into 6 evenly sized burger patties, slightly wider than your buns (they'll shrink slightly during cooking).

Step 3: Sear the Burgers

1. Add a tablespoon of butter to the center grill grate for flavor and to prevent sticking.
2. Place the patties on the center grill grate and sear for 1-2 minutes per side to create a crust and lock in the juices.
3. Once seared, move the burgers to the hot flat cooktop to continue cooking to desired doneness (medium-rare: 130-135°F, medium: 135-145°F, medium-well: 145-155°F).

Step 4: Toast the Buns & Melt the Cheese

1. Place the burger buns face-down on the flat cooktop outer zone with a little butter to toast them golden brown.
2. Top each burger with a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt while on the griddle.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Remove burgers from the grill when they are 15°F below your target internal temperature.
2. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes to finish cooking.
3. Place each burger on a toasted bun and serve hot—no condiments needed for these flavor-packed patties!

Tips

• Use high-quality ground beef with good fat content (80/20) to keep the burgers juicy.
• The sweet spices blend best when mixed gently—avoid overmixing!
• Letting the patties rest after grilling helps juices redistribute for a perfect bite every time.
• Shred your own cheddar cheese for smoother melting and richer flavor.
• Use the hot flat-top for cooking extra toppings like onions or jalapeños without burning them.

Variations

1. Hot Chili Kick: Add cayenne pepper and diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy edge.
2. Sweet BBQ Fusion: Mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar and top with BBQ sauce for a tangy, sweet twist.
3. Keto-Friendly: Serve the burger over grilled portobello caps or lettuce wraps instead of buns.
4. Smoky Gouda Melt: Swap cheddar for smoked Gouda and top with caramelized onions.
5. Southern Style: Add a fried egg and crispy bacon on top for extra indulgence.

Best pairings

• Grilled sweet potato wedges cooked on the Arteflame flat top
• Crispy grilled corn on the cob with butter and paprika
• Cold Ohio craft beer like a pale ale or dark lager
• Classic creamy coleslaw for added crunch and contrast
• Grilled peaches with cinnamon for dessert

Conclusion

These Ohio-style Cincinnati Chili Burgers bring warm Midwest charm to every grill session. Using the Arteflame Grill ensures each burger is perfectly seared and juicy, with bold spice and creamy cheddar in every bite. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or elevating your weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the flavors of Ohio right to your backyard.