
Jalapeno Homemade Burgers
Servings: 4 big burgers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Patties
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1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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2 fresh jalapeños, minced (seeds removed for mild, seeds left for spicy)
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1 small onion, finely minced or grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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½ cup plain breadcrumbs OR crushed Ritz crackers
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce
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1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp smoked paprika (adds a great grilled flavor)
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¼ tsp cumin (optional, adds warmth)
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½ cup shredded cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a mix (optional but fantastic)
For Cooking
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2 tbsp oil or butter
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Extra salt & pepper for seasoning patties
Optional Topping Options
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Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)
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Pepper Jack cheese
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Crispy bacon strips
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Grilled onions
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Avocado or guacamole
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Chipotle mayo (mayo + chipotle in adobo + lime)
For Serving
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4 toasted buns
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Lettuce
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Sliced tomatoes
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Sliced red onions
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Pickles
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Condiments of your choice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Jalapeños
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Wash jalapeños and remove seeds if you want a milder burger.
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Mince them very finely so they blend evenly into the meat.
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If you like more heat, add an extra jalapeño or keep some seeds.
2. Mix the Burger Blend
In a large bowl, combine:
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Ground beef
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Minced jalapeños
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Onion
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Garlic
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Egg
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Breadcrumbs
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Worcestershire
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Ketchup
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Mustard
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Salt, pepper
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Paprika & cumin
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Cheese (if using)
Use hands to gently mix—don’t overwork, or the burgers get dense.
3. Shape the Patties
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Divide into 4 large patties or 6 medium ones.
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Form into rounds about ¾ inch thick.
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Press a small thumbprint in the center of each—this prevents doming.
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Set patties on parchment paper and chill 10–20 minutes (optional, but helps them hold shape).
4. Cook the Burgers
Stovetop Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high.
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Add oil or butter.
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Season patties lightly with extra salt & pepper.
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Cook about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
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Add cheese slices during last minute and cover to melt.
Grill Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium-high.
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Oil grates.
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Grill patties 4–5 minutes per side.
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Add cheese and melt in final minute.
5. Toast the Buns
Butter lightly and toast in the pan/grill until golden.
6. Assemble Your Jalapeño Burgers
Suggested build:
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Spread chipotle mayo or regular mayo on bottom bun.
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Add lettuce and tomato.
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Place hot jalapeño burger patty with melted cheese.
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Add more fresh or pickled jalapeño slices for extra kick.
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Add onion, pickles, or avocado.
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Finish with top bun.
Flavor Tips
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For maximum flavor, use fresh jalapeños and a small spoon of pickled jalapeño juice in the meat.
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Want really spicy? Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper or 1 chopped serrano.
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Juicier burgers: Use a mix of beef and pork, or add 2 tbsp cold grated butter into the meat.
Optional Variations
1. Bacon Jalapeño Cheddar Burgers
Add crispy bacon + sharp cheddar.
2. Cream Cheese Jalapeño Burgers (Jalapeño Popper Style)
Mix ¼ cup cream cheese + jalapeños and place a spoonful inside each patty before sealing.
3. Jalapeño Turkey Burgers
Use ground turkey and add a bit more breadcrumbs for binding.
- 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp steak sauce
- 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 cup crushed corn chips
