Forget Classic Burgers – Remove The Buns For An Iowa-Style Meal

Burgers are an all-American classic, which means regional twists are abundant. From Colorado's green chili-topped slopper to Oklahoma's onion-stuffed rendition, tweaks come in many forms. Want to try out an Iowa-style twist? Ditch the dish's sandwich construction entirely, and turn the burger into a casserole.

The unique riff meshes several together of the state's culinary favorites: casserole, chili, and burgers. A bun-less creation, the dish comes together in an oven pan. Standard-sized quarter-pound patties form a bottom layer, which are then covered in a chili — either with beans or not — followed by a garnish of grated cheese (say a four-cheese blend), raw onions, and crispy onions, too.

Then to round out the dish, comes a final topping — cinnamon rolls. Also out of a can, these pastries are cut to match each patty, functioning as a bread-like vessel to anchor the dish. The inclusion of such a sweet may seem like a curveball, but it's an ode to the very Iowan pairing of cinnamon rolls with chili, a comfort food duo that began in economical school lunches. Baked into casserole form, it's a mouth-watering medley of sweet and savory flavors, best enjoyed with a knife and fork.

Like any good casserole, the dish's strength lies in its concept, with components open to tweaks. Start with the burger itself. Not feeling the fatty richness of beef? Go with leaner turkey patties; the cans of chili will ensure the meat won't dry out. Or for a touch more sweetness to complement the cinnamon rolls, try out bison over beef patties in the recipe. Baked in a casserole pan, you're not after a picture-perfect medium-rare burger, so feel free to experiment with alternate meats or proteins.

Next, there's the chili to consider. There is nothing wrong with using a canned version; a casserole is a great application for pre-packaged food. Naturally, though, you'll attain brighter flavors by making a version from scratch. Iowa-style chili stays true to a classic beef chili recipe, albeit with flavors on the sweeter side. There are still some hot and smoky notes via spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, but cooks often add a tablespoon of brown sugar for added depth. Since burgers are part of the build, go lighter on the beef, but still feel free to include your favorite bean medley. Want more of a hot and sweet contrast? Leave out the sugar, going heavier with the cayenne.

Finally, consider the cinnamon roll component. If you're feeling uncertain regarding the pastry, leave it out, as the casserole will still taste good. Although the bake does lend a classic Iowan touch — and per tradition –  you're welcome to eat the chili and sweet roll side by side. So try out this regional favorite, tweaked to your preferences.