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- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) - 2 jalapeños, finely chopped - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 4 slices of cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 hamburger buns - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Optional toppings: Lettuce and tomato Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making delicious Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers. Start with the ground beef. I like an 80/20 blend for the right amount of fat. This blend gives the burger a juicy bite. Next, chop the jalapeños and onion. The jalapeños add a spicy kick. The onion brings sweetness. Together, they create a great flavor base. For cheese, I use cheddar. It melts nicely and adds creaminess. Don't forget your seasonings! A pinch of salt and pepper brings out all the flavors. You also need hamburger buns. Toasting them will add a nice crunch. You can add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the buns for extra flavor. Optional toppings like lettuce and tomato can freshen up the burger. This recipe is all about balance. You want spicy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. When you combine these flavors, you get a satisfying meal. Check out the Full Recipe for all the cooking steps! First, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add the diced onion and sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. This step softens the onion and brings out its natural sweetness. Next, I add the finely chopped jalapeños to the skillet. I continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. This mixture adds a tasty kick to the burgers. Now, I preheat a griddle or flat-top pan over medium-high heat. I divide the ground beef into four equal portions. I gently form each portion into a ball without compacting it too much. This keeps the burgers juicy. I place each ball on the hot griddle, season with salt and pepper, and then smash each ball flat into a patty using a large spatula. The thinner the patty, the better the crust! I cook them for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. A nice crust forms here. I flip the patties and immediately add a spoonful of the jalapeño-onion mixture on top of each. Then, I lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. While the patties cook, I prepare the buns. I spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on each side. I toast the buns on the griddle for a minute for extra texture. Now, I assemble the burgers. I place the patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun. Then, I layer it with the jalapeño-onion mixture and add optional toppings like lettuce and tomato. Finally, I top it with the other half of the bun. Now, my Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are ready to serve. Enjoy the burst of flavors! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make a great smash burger, do not over-compress the meat. Keep it loose when forming the balls. This helps keep the burger juicy. When you place the beef on the griddle, use a large spatula to smash it down. Press firmly but don’t go overboard. You want a crust to form, which gives flavor and texture. You can change the flavor by using different cheese types. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or blue cheese for a bold taste. Consider adding spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to the beef for extra depth. Toppings like crispy bacon or avocado can also elevate your burger. Set your griddle to medium-high heat for the best results. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Watch the burgers closely to avoid overcooking. Flip them only once to maintain that beautiful crust. Avoid pressing down on the patties after you smash them. This releases juices and dries them out. For more details, check the Full Recipe for perfect cooking times and techniques. {{image_2}} You can add even more taste to your Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers. Try using different types of peppers, like poblanos for a smoky twist. You can add spices such as cumin or smoked paprika for warmth. For gourmet toppings, avocado is a great choice. It adds creaminess and balances the heat. You might also consider adding crispy bacon or fried onions for crunch. Don't be afraid to mix and match! If you want a meatless version, use plant-based burger patties. They can mimic the texture of beef. For the jalapeño-onion flavor, sauté mushrooms with jalapeños and onions. This will give you a rich, savory taste. You can also use black beans or lentils as a base for your patties. Adding spices like chili powder can enhance the flavor. These options make your meal great for everyone. Think outside the box when serving these burgers. Pair them with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. You could also set up a burger bar. Let guests customize their burgers with toppings and sauces. For a fun night, have a themed burger night. You can create different styles like Tex-Mex or BBQ. This adds excitement and variety to your meal. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! To keep your leftover burgers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between each burger to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the patties. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months this way. To reheat burgers, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep them juicy. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover it with a lid for a few minutes. This will steam the burgers without drying them out. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F and heat the burgers for about 10 minutes. This keeps the flavor intact. The jalapeño-onion mixture lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. For maximum freshness, keep your burger ingredients separate. Ground beef should be used within two days of purchase. If not, freeze it right away to ensure quality. Fresh buns typically last a week if stored in a cool, dry place. For smash burgers, I recommend using an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This means there is 20% fat. The fat adds flavor and keeps the burger juicy. A leaner blend may dry out and lack that rich taste you want. Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onions and jalapeños a day early. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. You can also form the beef balls and keep them in the fridge until you cook. This makes the cooking process quicker and easier. You can adjust the heat by using different types of peppers. If you want less heat, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds. You can also add hot sauce or sriracha to your mayonnaise. This lets you control the spice to your liking. Great sides include crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. They balance the burger's bold flavors. You can also try coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. You've explored the essential steps for making delicious Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers. We covered the key ingredients, preparation methods, and handy tips to elevate your burger game. You now have options for variations and storage, ensuring a tasty experience anytime. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. So, feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings. Make these burgers your own, and enjoy every bite!

Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers! Perfectly seasoned and topped with sautéed jalapeños and melted cheddar, these burgers are a must-try for spice lovers. Quick and easy to make, they’re ideal for any occasion. Discover the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and impress your friends at your next barbecue! Click through to explore and elevate your burger game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

2 jalapeños, finely chopped

1 medium onion, finely diced

4 slices of cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

4 hamburger buns

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional: Lettuce and tomato for topping

Instructions
 

In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Add the chopped jalapeños to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

      Preheat a griddle or flat-top pan over medium-high heat.

        Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form them into balls but do not compact them tightly.

          Place each ball on the hot griddle, season with salt and pepper, and using a large spatula, smash each ball flat into a patty. (The thinner the patty, the better the crust!)

            Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until a nice crust forms.

              Flip the patties, and immediately place a generous spoonful of the sautéed jalapeño-onion mixture on top of each patty. Then, lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

                Meanwhile, prepare the buns by spreading mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on each side. Toast the buns on the griddle for a minute for extra texture.

                  Assemble the burgers by placing the patties with the melted cheese on the bottom bun, followed by optional toppings like lettuce and tomato, then top with the other half of the bun.

                    Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings