Spicy Jalapeño Burgers

Name: Spicy Jalapeño Burgers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon canola oil; 4 hamburger buns, halved and toasted; 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, split; 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin (2 cups); 4 slices American cheese; 1 large jalapeño, thinly sliced (1/2 cup); 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, split; 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean, high quality)

Recipe by Jordan Avery · Updated May 2026

Burger

These burgers pack a punch with spicy jalapeños and caramelized onions, all tucked into a crispy, cheesy patty with a tangy sauce.

⏱ 40 mins

American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1/4 teaspoongarlic powder

3 tablespoonsmayonnaise

1/4 teaspoonkosher salt

1/2 teaspoonblack pepper

1 1/2 tablespoonsketchup

1 teaspoonWorcestershire sauce

1 teaspooncanola oil

4 hamburgerbuns, halved and toasted

1 1/4 teaspoonskosher salt, split

1 largeyellow onion, sliced thin (2 cups)

4 slicesAmerican cheese

1 largejalapeño, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)

3/4 teaspoonblack pepper, split

1 1/2 poundsground beef (80% lean, high quality)

Nutrition

750 caloriesCalories

Per serving · Values are estimates

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cover it and set it aside in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Add the sliced onions and jalapeños, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and some black pepper, and stir occasionally. Cook them until the onions turn deep brown and the peppers soften, about 10-15 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a bowl.

Divide the ground beef into 8 even portions, roughly 3 ounces each. Gently shape them into loose balls—don’t overwork the meat or it’ll get tough. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and pop the tray into the fridge to chill for a bit.

Clean your skillet, then heat it on high until it’s just starting to smoke. Add a few meatballs to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Press each ball flat with a spatula or burger press. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until crispy. In the last minute, add a slice of cheese to each patty to melt.

Spread the sauce on the inner sides of your burger buns. Place a cheesy patty on each bottom bun, then top with the onions and jalapeños. Add any extra toppings you like, then close the burger with the top bun. Serve it right away and enjoy!