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Delicious jalapeño-onion smash burger with toppings on a wooden table.

Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers

These Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are juicy, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick cookout. With smoky jalapeños, caramelized onions, and creamy cheese, they're a delicious twist on the classic burger.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: BBQ, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Burger Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Burger Patties and Toppings
  • 1 1/2 pounds high-quality 80% lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon canola oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 large jalapeño chile, very thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, split and toasted

Method
 

Make the Burger Sauce
  1. Stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt in a small bowl. Cover and chill until needed.
Prep the Patties
  1. Divide the beef into 8 (3-ounce) portions. Shape each portion into a loose ball and chill on a plate.
Get the Grill Ready
  1. Cut a 3-inch square of parchment paper and preheat your grill to high (450°F to 500°F) with a large cast-iron skillet or griddle.
Cook the Onions and Jalapeños
  1. Drizzle the skillet with oil, arrange onion slices into 8 mounds, top with jalapeño slices, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until onions brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Smash Those Patties
  1. Place a beef ball on each onion mound, top with the parchment square, and press firmly to flatten into a patty. Sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper, cooking without moving for 2-3 minutes.
Flip and Cheese It Up
  1. Flip the patties, top with cheese on 4 patties, and continue cooking until browned, about 1:30-2 minutes.
Assemble Your Burgers
  1. Stack cheesed patties on plain patties, place on bottom buns, spread sauce on top buns, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with crispy fries or a fresh salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze without buns for up to 3 months. Toasting the buns adds a perfect crunch.