Jalapeño Burgers With Chipotle Mayo

By Melissa Pitts

Ahh burgers: food of the Gods and the best part of summer if you ask me. What’s not to love about a juicy and messy burger studded with pieces of spicy jalapeños, smothered with smokey mayo and topped with melted cheese? This is my favorite kind of burger to make and beats the hell out of your regular burgers. Top with anything you like, I always serve mine with sweet potato fries- something about dipping them in ketchup and chipotle mayo makes them so good!

Cook Time: 10 mins

Preparation Time: 10 mins

Yields 4 Servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• pepper to taste
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 cup mayo (or for a healthier version use equal parts mayo and nonfat Greek yogurt)
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices Monterrey Jack cheese

Directions:

1. In a small pan, over medium heat, saute the jalapeño and onion with one tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with salt if desired, and let cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the meat, salt, the rest of the olive oil, salt, pepper, and the jalapeño and onion mixture. Mix until it’s just combined, the more you mix the beef, the tougher your patties will be.
3. Lightly form into 4 hamburger patties and press lightly into shape.
4. Prepare a charcoal or a stove-top grill.
5. Cook the hamburgers for 4 minutes on 1 side, then turn and cook 3 minutes on the other side for medium-rare. Remove to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. Allow the hamburgers to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, grill the buns, cut side down, for 1 minute, until toasted.
6. Place a hamburger and a slice of Monterrey Jack in each bun, spread the chiptole mayo on each piece of bread and add whatever toppings you desire, and serve hot.

Chipotle Mayo: Combine the mayo, chipotle pepper and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix until well incorporated, add salt and pepper if desired.

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