Spicy Pepper Jack Jalapeño Burger

5 stars from 1 review

My Jalapeno Burger is full of smoky Mexican flavor, hot chiles, gooey cheese, and a spicy barbecue ranch sauce. Get your taste buds ready!!

Author: Donna Elick

Servings: - 8

Prep Time10

Cook Time8

Total Time18

Ingredients

2 pounds 80 percent lean ground beef
1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1 teaspoon chile de arbol or cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 to 8 slices pepper jack cheese about 4 to 8 ounces
4 to 8 potato hamburger buns
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Sliced onion
Pickled jalapeño slices
Spicy Barbecue Ranch Sauce

Instructions

PREHEAT GRILL: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
SEASON BEEF: In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds 80 percent lean ground beef, 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder, 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder, 1 teaspoon chile de arbol or cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. Mix gently just until combined.
FORM PATTIES: Divide the beef mixture into 4 to 8 patties depending on desired size. Shape each patty slightly larger than the hamburger buns and press a shallow indentation in the center of each patty.
GRILL BURGERS: Place patties on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Do not press down on the burgers while they cook. Pressing squeezes out the flavorful juices and can make the patties dry. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the burgers reach an internal temperature of about 160°F for medium doneness.
ADD CHEESE: During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with 1 slice pepper jack cheese and close the grill lid until melted.
TOAST BUNS: Place potato hamburger buns cut side down on the grill and toast for 30 to 60 seconds until lightly golden with grill marks.
ASSEMBLE BURGERS: Spread Spicy Barbecue Ranch Sauce on the bottom buns. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and sliced onion. Place the cheeseburger on top and add pickled jalapeño slices. Spread more sauce on the top buns and close the sandwiches.
SERVE: Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Make-Ahead: The burger patties can be formed up to 1 day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Storage: Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat burgers in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Freezing: Raw burger patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place parchment between patties and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Ingredient Tip: Pepper jack cheese melts beautifully and adds just the right amount of heat to balance the smoky chile spices in the burger.

Nutrition