Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
4 slices pepper jack chees
1-2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (seeded for less heat)
4 burger buns, toasted
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Optional sauce: mayo, chipotle mayo, or spicy burger sauce
Instructions
Form the patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape into patties. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook the burgers: Grill or cook in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until desired doneness.
Add cheese & jalapeños: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slices. Cover briefly to melt the cheese.
Assemble: Place burgers on toasted buns and add lettuce, tomato, and sauce of choice.
Serve hot: Enjoy immediately while the cheese is perfectly melty.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Don’t overwork the meat: Gently forming patties keeps burgers tender.
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Control the heat: Remove jalapeño seeds for milder spice, or swap in pickled jalapeños for tangy heat.
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Toast the buns: Adds texture and prevents sogginess from juicy patties.
Variations
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Bacon Jalapeño Burger: Add crispy bacon for smoky crunch.
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Turkey Jalapeño Burger: Substitute ground turkey and brush with olive oil for moisture.
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Southwest Style: Add avocado slices and chipotle mayo.
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Extra Spicy: Mix diced jalapeños directly into the burger patties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g