Tex-Mex Burger with Pepper Jack

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 hamburger buns, split
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.

2. 2

   Divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick, slightly wider than the buns.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and chipotle hot sauce. Set aside.

4. 4

   Heat a 9-inch skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.

5. 5

   Cook the patties for 4 minutes on the first side without pressing down, until a deep crust forms.

   4:00 · Sear first side
6. 6

   Flip the patties and cook for 3 minutes more, then top each with a slice of pepper jack cheese and cook 1 minute longer, until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

   4:00 · Cook second side with cheese
7. 7

   Toast the cut sides of the buns in the same skillet for 1 minute, until golden.

   1:00 · Toast buns
8. 8

   Spread the chipotle mayo on both halves of each bun.

9. 9

   Build each burger with lettuce, a patty with melted pepper jack, tomato, red onion, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeños. Close with the top bun and serve immediately.