The Amarillo Burger: Casino El Camino’s Legendary Creation
Discover the secrets of the Amarillo Burger, a fiery legend from Casino El Camino in Austin, and recreate its iconic flavor at home.
Situated in the bustling heart of Austin’s Sixth Street, Casino El Camino has earned national renown for its decadent, massive burgers—none more celebrated than the bold and fiery Amarillo Burger. Featured on the Food Network and lauded by food personalities like Guy Fieri, this burger is much more than a meal; it’s an adventure in Texan flavor, attitude, and technique. Below, discover the full story of Casino El Camino, the Amarillo Burger’s legacy, and how to bring this iconic dish to life in your own kitchen.
Contents
- The Story of Casino El Camino
- What Makes the Amarillo Burger Iconic?
- The Amarillo Burger Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Guide: Building the Amarillo Burger
- Chef Tips and Cooking Advice
- Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Story of Casino El Camino
Casino El Camino is more than just a late-night burger joint. Since opening its doors on Austin’s famed Sixth Street, it has become a magnet for burger enthusiasts, musicians, and everyone seeking out-of-the-ordinary comfort food in a laid-back, retro setting. Though the décor—evoking a quirky 1970s horror film—hints at nostalgia, the menu stays fresh, bold, and consistently top-tier.
Founder Mike Michener, a New York expatriate and former musician, wanted to create a space that combined the no-nonsense hospitality of an East Coast bar with the distinct flavors and heat of Texas cuisine. The result? A menu stacked with diner favorites, each with an adventurous twist. Burgers, though, are their main event—especially the uniquely spicy Amarillo Burger. According to celeb chef Guy Fieri—who called Casino El Camino home to “the best burger in town”—these oversized burgers are juicy, boldly flavored, and grilled to perfect doneness every time.
What Makes the Amarillo Burger Iconic?
The Amarillo Burger stands out even in a city celebrated for its burgers. At Casino El Camino, burgers aren’t merely sandwiches—they’re feasts. Each burger starts with a 12-ounce patty, hand-formed from high-quality beef for a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. The Amarillo version adds another layer of notoriety with roasted serrano chiles. These chiles are fresh-roasted daily, lending a pungent, smoky heat and capturing the Texan love of spice. Crispy bacon and cheddar round out the burger for a bold, savory profile.
The Amarillo Burger’s fiery yet balanced profile epitomizes Austin’s food culture—unapologetic, unpretentious, and always ready to surprise. It’s enjoyed by locals and food tourists alike, and is a go-to challenge for those seeking the next level up from a standard cheeseburger.
The Amarillo Burger Ingredients
To replicate the Amarillo Burger’s magic, start with top-quality ingredients. Their combination will deliver the same mouthwatering flavor and texture you find at Casino El Camino.
- Ground beef, 80/20 blend (chuck): The classic foundation for a juicy burger.
- Serrano chiles: Fresh, bright, and loaded with heat, these are roasted for maximum flavor depth.
- Bacon: Thick-cut, crisp strips add a smoky crunch and richness.
- Cheddar cheese: Preferably sharp, it melts beautifully and pairs well with the heat from the chiles.
- Kaiser roll or sturdy hamburger buns: The preferred choice for handling the burger’s size and juices.
- Fresh toppings: Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles are classic additions, though strictly optional.
- Condiments (optional): Mayo or your favorite sauce, though the burger often stands alone without extras.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning the burger patty.
Each element is designed for maximum satisfaction: juicy beef, spicy chiles, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon, all hugged by a fresh roll.
Step-by-Step Guide: Building the Amarillo Burger
Recreating the Amarillo Burger at home is a rewarding project. Follow these detailed steps for best results—and don’t hesitate to inject your own creativity along the way.
1. Preparing the Ingredients
- Roast the Serrano Chiles: Place whole serranos on a baking sheet under your broiler or over an open flame. Turn frequently until skins are blistered and blackened—about 7-10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let steam for 5 minutes. Peel off skins, remove stems, and slice chiles lengthwise. For even more heat, leave the seeds in.
- Cook the Bacon: Lay bacon strips in a cold skillet, then cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Cheese Prep: Slice cheddar thick or shred it for the fastest melt.
- Bun Prep: Lightly toast cut faces of Kaiser rolls on a grill or in the oven until golden.
2. Shaping and Seasoning the Burger Patty
- Form 12-ounce beef patties, just larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burger tender.
- Season both sides generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper just before cooking.
3. Grilling the Burger
- Heat a grill or heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat. Add a touch of oil if using a pan.
- Place the patty on the grill/skillet. Don’t press down; let the crust develop undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, more for desired doneness.
- Flip once, then arrange cheddar cheese slices atop the patty for the final 2 minutes of cooking so it melts into every cranny.
4. Assembling the Amarillo Burger
- Lay the bottom half of the bun on a plate.
- Place the cheesy patty on the bun, then pile on roasted serrano slices, followed by crispy bacon strips.
- Add optional toppings: lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, or pickles. For purists, simplicity is key—letting the fiery flavor shine.
- Top with the bun crown and serve hot.
5. Serving
- For an authentic touch, serve with a knife to cut the huge burger in half, plus napkins—it’s a juicy endeavor.
- Spicy fries or Texas chili fries are perfect sides, as noted by many Casino El Camino fans.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Beef Patty | 12 oz, 80/20 ground chuck, hand-formed |
| Serrano Chiles | Fresh, roasted and peeled |
| Cheddar Cheese | Sharp, sliced or shredded, melted on patty |
| Bacon | Thick-cut, crisped |
| Kaiser Roll | Toasted, sturdy, fresh |
| Toppings (optional) | Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles |
Chef Tips and Cooking Advice
- Meat Quality Matters: Choose an 80/20 beef blend (80% lean, 20% fat) for best juiciness and flavor. Fresh ground meat is ideal.
- Handle Meat Lightly: Overworking the beef compresses it, making the burger dense. Shape gently for a tender bite.
- Season Just Before Cooking: To maximize flavor and retain juiciness, salt the exterior immediately before grilling.
- Temperature for Doneness: For medium-rare (as served at Casino El Camino), aim for an internal temp of 130–135°F. Adjust for your preferred doneness but avoid overcooking.
- Rest the Patty: Rest burgers for 2–3 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, yielding a messier but tastier burger.
- Roasting Strategy: Roast more serrano chiles than you think you need; they’re addictive, and any leftovers go great on sandwiches or eggs.
- Bun Choice: The bun must be sturdy enough to hold the weight and juiciness of the burger. A bakery-quality kaiser or brioche is preferred.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Amarillo Burger is an event in itself, but the right sides and drinks can elevate the meal to true Texas greatness.
- Fries: Casino El Camino often pairs burgers with Verde Chili Fries—spicy, cheesy, and loaded with green chiles for an extra punch.
- House-Made Sauces: A dab of chipotle mayo or spicy aioli is a favorite for burger connoisseurs.
- Salad: For those who want something lighter, a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing companion, helping balance the burger’s richness.
- Beer: Pair with a local Texas craft beer—preferably an IPA or pale ale—to stand up to the spice.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add house pickles or jalapeños on the side for contrasting bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How spicy is the Amarillo Burger?
A: The Amarillo Burger is moderately to highly spicy due to the freshly roasted serrano chiles. You can control the heat by adding more or fewer chiles, or by removing the seeds before assembling.
Can I use other types of chiles?
A: Yes, though serranos are traditional for this burger. Jalapeños provide a milder heat, while habaneros or ghost peppers will seriously up the Scoville rating.
Is the Amarillo Burger suitable for grilling outdoors?
A: Absolutely. The original is griddled on a flat-top, but a charcoal grill will lend a smoky flavor that complements the chiles and bacon beautifully.
Can the recipe be halved for smaller appetites?
A: Yes. Simply use 6-ounce patties and adjust toppings, or divide the larger burger after cooking. Purists argue for the entire experience, but feel free to scale as needed.
Are there suitable vegetarian versions?
A: While the Amarillo Burger is renowned for its beefiness, you can substitute a plant-based patty and follow all other steps (including the roasted serrano topping and cheddar) for a spicy vegetarian variation.
What famous people have recommended Casino El Camino?
A: Food Network’s Guy Fieri famously called Casino El Camino’s burgers his “best burger in town” and highlighted their signature dishes on multiple TV features.
What’s the best time to visit Casino El Camino in Austin?
A: While Casino El Camino is a favorite late-night hangout, any time is burger time! The establishment is open until late, serving the busy Austin nightlife crowd with hearty fare until closing.
Additional Notes for the Home Cook
Perfecting the Amarillo Burger at home is as much about the attitude as the ingredients or technique. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite toppings, adjust the heat to your liking, or make the burger part of a laid-back backyard get-together. The heart of the Casino El Camino experience is generous, unpretentious hospitality—and the boldest flavors Austin can offer.
And remember: in true Texas spirit, everything’s bigger. Bring your appetite, your friends, and a little local music, and let the Amarillo Burger shine as your centerpiece.
Key Takeaways
- The Amarillo Burger is an Austin icon—bold, spicy, and massive.
- Start with premium 80/20 beef, fresh roasted serranos, sharp cheddar, and crisp bacon.
- Cook to medium-rare, melt the cheese, and serve on a sturdy toasted bun.
- Perfect for late nights, big appetites, and anyone ready for a real taste of Texas.
