Description
This Spicy Pepper Jack Jalapeño Burger combines seasoned beef patties grilled to perfection with melted pepper jack cheese, layered with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and spicy pickled jalapeños. Finished with a tangy Spicy Barbecue Ranch Sauce, this burger offers a delightful kick for spice lovers and a satisfying, flavorful meal ideal for a quick summer cookout.
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 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
Cheese and Buns
- 4 to 8 slices pepper jack cheese (about 4 to 8 ounces)
- 4 to 8 potato hamburger buns
Toppings
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Sliced onion
- Pickled jalapeño slices
Sauce
- Spicy Barbecue Ranch Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F, to ensure it’s ready for cooking the burgers evenly and creating a seared crust.
- Season Beef: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with ancho chile powder, chipotle chile powder, chile de arbol or cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Form Patties: Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 4 to 8 patties based on your preferred burger size. Shape each patty slightly larger than the buns and press a shallow indentation in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Grill Burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Avoid pressing the patties to retain juicy flavors. Flip and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness.
- Add Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly over the burgers.
- Toast Buns: While the cheese melts, place the potato hamburger buns cut side down on the grill. Toast for 30 to 60 seconds until they are lightly golden and show grill marks, adding texture and flavor.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread Spicy Barbecue Ranch Sauce on the bottom halves of the buns. Layer with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and sliced onion. Place the cheesy burger patty on top, add pickled jalapeño slices for heat, and spread more sauce on the top bun before closing the sandwich.
- Serve: Serve the burgers immediately while warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Adjust the number of patties and slices of cheese according to desired serving size.
- Pickled jalapeños add extra heat; adjust quantity or omit if a milder burger is preferred.
- Spicy Barbecue Ranch Sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated.
- Let burgers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling for juicier results if time allows.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American