This article about Chicago Style Beyond Burgers is proudly brought to you in collaboration with French’s® and Beyond Meat®. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.
Experience a culinary twist with these exceptional Chicago-Style Beyond Burgers: a robust plant-based patty generously topped with melted provolone cheese, classic yellow mustard, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and zesty giardiniera, all nestled within a toasted seeded bun!
Seeking more delicious plant-based meal inspiration? Discover our Healthier One Pan Taco Pasta for a vibrant and easy weeknight dinner.
Experience Chicago on a Bun: The Ultimate Plant-Based Beyond Burger
Growing up less than an hour from the bustling metropolis of Chicago, I’ve become intimately familiar with its vibrant culture and, more importantly, its distinct culinary traditions. When someone mentions “Chicago Style,” a specific image, and more accurately, a specific taste, immediately comes to mind. It’s an iconic flavor profile that evokes the spirit of the Windy City, most famously embodied by its legendary hot dog.
The true essence of Chicago Style demands a precise combination of toppings: bright yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped white onions, fresh tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, fiery sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. This precise medley creates a symphony of flavors and textures – sweet, savory, tangy, and a hint of spice – that is instantly recognizable and deeply cherished by locals and visitors alike.
One cardinal rule of Chicago Style cuisine, particularly when it comes to hot dogs, is an absolute aversion to ketchup. It’s a culinary law etched in stone: you will *never* find ketchup on an authentic Chicago-style hot dog. Ever. Instead, the golden standard is always a generous zig-zag of classic yellow mustard. For this recipe, we embrace this tradition wholeheartedly, featuring French’s® Yellow Mustard – a true American favorite that delivers that unmistakable, tangy zest essential to the Chicago experience.
Inspired by the audacious spirit of Chicago’s classic hot dog, I embarked on a mission to reimagine these beloved flavors in a new, exciting format. The goal was to translate the unmistakable essence of Chicago Style onto a plant-based canvas, creating a fun, innovative, and incredibly satisfying twist on the traditional burger. The result is a truly remarkable culinary creation that pays homage to a city’s rich gastronomic heritage while embracing modern, plant-forward eating: I proudly present to you the Chicago Style Beyond Meat Burger.
Gather Your Ingredients: A Trip to Jewel-Osco
Preparing these incredible Chicago Style Beyond Burgers is simpler than you might think, and all the essential ingredients can be found with ease. For those in the Midwest, a quick trip to Jewel-Osco will provide everything you need to bring this recipe to life. Look for Beyond Burgers in the meat department – yes, even though they’re plant-based, they’re often conveniently located alongside traditional meat products – and French’s® Yellow Mustard in the condiment aisle, where America’s Favorite Mustard always shines. Utilizing the Jewel-Osco mobile app can make your shopping experience even more convenient, often revealing special savings and promotions that help you get the most out of your grocery budget.
Essential Shopping List for Your Chicago Style Beyond Burgers
To craft these mouthwatering burgers, ensure your pantry and fridge are stocked with these key items:
- **Beyond Meat Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties**: The star of our show, offering that rich, meaty texture without the meat.
- **French’s® Yellow Mustard**: The non-negotiable, vibrant yellow condiment that defines Chicago Style.
- **Sesame Seed Hamburger Buns**: A soft, sturdy bun with the classic sesame seed topping is crucial for holding all those delicious ingredients.
- **Giardiniera (Hot or Mild)**: This pickled vegetable relish provides a signature tangy, spicy, or mild crunch. Choose your preferred heat level!
- **Provolone Cheese Slices**: Melts beautifully to add a creamy, savory layer.
- **Tomatoes**: Fresh, ripe tomatoes, sliced for juiciness and color.
- **Lettuce**: Crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch.
- **Sport Peppers (Optional)**: For an authentic kick, these small pickled peppers deliver a mild, briny heat.
Keep an eye out for special promotions! Historically, fantastic deals have allowed you to purchase a package of Beyond Burger® and receive a free 20 oz French’s® Mustard at participating local Jewel stores. Always check your local store’s circular or app for current offers to maximize your savings.
Understanding the Beyond Burger: A Plant-Based Revolution
The Beyond Burger is more than just a meat alternative; it represents a significant leap forward in plant-based cuisine. Designed to look, cook, and satisfy like traditional ground beef, it delivers all the meaty deliciousness burger lovers crave, but with the added benefits of a plant-based meal. Each succulent patty is engineered to be rich and juicy, boasting an impressive 20g of plant protein per serving. Beyond Meat is committed to transparency and quality, ensuring their products are made without GMOs, soy, or gluten, making them an accessible and wholesome choice for many dietary needs. It truly is a game-changer for anyone seeking a sustainable, flavorful, and healthier alternative without compromising on the classic burger experience.
Mastering the Cook: How to Grill Beyond Meat Beyond Burger Patties
Cooking Beyond Meat Beyond Burger patties is remarkably similar to preparing a traditional beef burger, making them incredibly user-friendly for both seasoned grill masters and novice cooks. For an optimal experience, I highly recommend firing up your outdoor grill. The unmistakable char and smoky flavor imparted by the grill elevate these patties to perfection, especially on a warm summer day. If an outdoor grill isn’t an option, a grill pan on your stovetop works wonderfully, still achieving those desirable grill marks and a satisfying sear.
Before placing your patties, always ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly sprayed with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your burgers release easily, preserving their perfect shape and texture. Grill the Beyond Burger patties for 3-4 minutes per side. You’ll notice they develop a beautiful brown crust, just like a conventional burger. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each patty. Close the grill lid (or cover your grill pan) for a moment to allow the cheese to melt into a wonderfully gooey, savory layer, perfectly adhering to the patty.
Assembling Your Masterpiece: The Chicago Style Burger Method
Now that your Beyond Burger patties are perfectly grilled and the cheese is melted to perfection, it’s time for the art of assembly. This is where the Chicago Style magic truly happens, transforming a simple burger into an unforgettable culinary experience. The key is in the layering, ensuring every bite delivers that authentic burst of flavor.
Start by laying a crisp bed of fresh lettuce leaves on the bottom half of your sesame seed bun. This provides a refreshing crunch and a barrier for the other toppings. Next, carefully place your hot, cheesy Beyond Burger patty directly on top of the lettuce. Immediately after, generously drizzle a zig-zag of French’s® Yellow Mustard over the patty. This vibrant, tangy mustard is non-negotiable for the Chicago experience.
Follow with a juicy slice of ripe tomato, adding freshness and a hint of sweetness. Then comes the star of the show: a generous spoonful of giardiniera. Whether you opt for hot or mild, its tangy, pickled vegetables add an essential textural contrast and a burst of flavor that truly distinguishes this burger. Finally, crown your creation with the top bun. For an authentic flourish and an extra touch of briny spice, garnish your burger with a sport pepper. Now, it’s time to dig in and savor every incredible layer!
A Symphony of Flavors: Savoring Your Chicago Style Beyond Burger
Once assembled, this Chicago Style Beyond Burger truly becomes a thing of culinary glory! Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the juicy, satisfying plant-based patty, the creamy tang of melted provolone, the bright, piquant notes of French’s® Yellow Mustard, the refreshing crispness of lettuce and tomato, and the irresistible spicy-tangy kick of the giardiniera. It’s a flavor experience that is both familiar and excitingly new, proving that plant-based options can deliver on robust, craveable flavors.
You simply can’t go wrong with these Chicago Style burgers; they are a delightful tribute to a beloved regional classic, re-imagined for the modern palate. To complete this nostalgic diner-style meal, we love serving these burgers alongside a generous pile of crispy crinkle-cut fries and a refreshing “pop” (as we call soda in the Midwest). This pairing instantly transports you to a classic American diner, making for a truly satisfying and memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Chicago Style Beyond Burger
4 Servings
5 minutes
8 minutes
13 minutes
These Chicago-Style Beyond Burgers are a plant-based patty piled high with provolone cheese, mustard, lettuce, tomato and giardiniera all on a seeded bun! A delicious and satisfying plant-forward meal.
Ingredients
- 4 Beyond Meat Beyond Burger patties (2 packages)
- French’s® Yellow Mustard
- 4 Sesame seed hamburger buns
- Giardiniera (hot or mild, to your preference)
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 1 Large Tomato, sliced
- Fresh Lettuce leaves
- Sport peppers (optional – Sport peppers are mild chili peppers, commonly pickled and used to add a signature briny kick to Chicago-style hot dogs.)
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Grill the Beyond Burger patties for 3-4 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone cheese on each patty and allow it to melt until gooey.
2. To assemble each burger, place a bed of lettuce on the bottom half of a sesame seed bun. Top with a cooked Beyond Burger patty. Generously drizzle French’s Yellow Mustard over the patty, then add a tomato slice and a spoonful of giardiniera. Place the top bun and, if desired, garnish with a sport pepper for an authentic Chicago touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 435Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 440mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 6gSugar: 3gProtein: 27g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on this site should only be used as a general guideline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Style Beyond Burgers
Have some questions before you dive into making these incredible burgers? Here are a few common queries:
- Can I make this recipe completely vegan? Absolutely! While this recipe uses provolone cheese, you can easily substitute it with your favorite plant-based provolone or other vegan cheese slices to make the entire burger 100% vegan.
- What if I can’t find giardiniera? While giardiniera is essential for the authentic Chicago taste, if it’s truly unavailable, a good quality mixed pickled vegetable relish with a bit of spice could be a substitute in a pinch, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- Are Beyond Burgers gluten-free? Yes, Beyond Burgers are certified gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, provided your buns and other toppings are also gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for confirmation.
- Can I cook Beyond Burgers indoors? Of course! If you don’t have access to a grill, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on your stovetop works perfectly. Follow the same cooking times, ensuring a good sear on both sides.
- What other toppings pair well? While we stick to Chicago tradition, if you’re feeling adventurous, caramelized onions or a touch of vegan bacon could add another layer of flavor.
Your Turn: How Do You Enjoy Your Beyond Burgers?
We’d love to hear from you! How do you typically prepare and enjoy your Beyond Burgers? Do you stick to classic toppings, or do you get creative with unique flavor combinations? Share your favorite plant-based burger creations in the comments below!
And remember, keep an eye out for fantastic retail promotions! Many stores frequently offer special deals, such as a free 20 oz French’s® Mustard when you purchase a package of Beyond Burger®. These promotions are a great way to save and stock up on your favorite plant-based essentials and classic condiments.
