Name: Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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.; 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 American cheese slices.; 4 soft hamburger buns, split and toasted.

These Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are a flavor-packed treat for burger lovers who enjoy a bit of heat. The combination of thinly sliced onions and jalapeños caramelizing directly on the grill beneath the beef patty creates a unique texture and taste. The burger sauce, made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, adds a tangy, creamy layer that complements the spice. Topped with melted American cheese and served on toasted buns, these burgers are perfect for a weekend barbecue or a casual dinner with friends.

If you’re in the mood for a burger with a bit of a kick, these Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are exactly what you need. Combining the spiciness of jalapeños with the savory sweetness of caramelized onions, these burgers deliver a flavor explosion in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

Mayonnaise: The base for the burger sauce, providing creaminess and richness.
Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the burger sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a deep umami flavor to the sauce.
Black Pepper: Adds a bit of bite to the sauce and burgers.
Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce.
Kosher Salt: Seasoning the sauce, burgers, and toppings to enhance all the flavors.
Ground Beef: Use 80% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
Canola Oil: Used for grilling the onions and jalapeños, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a nice char.
Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced to caramelize on the grill, adding sweetness and texture to the burgers.
Jalapeño Chile: Adds heat and a distinctive pepper flavor to the burgers.
American Cheese Slices: Melted on top of the patties, providing a creamy contrast to the spicy jalapeños.
Hamburger Buns: Toasted to add a bit of crunch and prevent them from getting soggy.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Begin by making the burger sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cover and chill the sauce until you're ready to assemble the burgers.
Step 2:: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, each weighing about 3 ounces. Gently shape each portion into a loose ball, and place them on a plate. Cover the plate and refrigerate while you prepare the grill.
Step 3:: Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450°F to 500°F. Place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle on the grill to preheat as well. Alternatively, you can heat a cast-iron skillet on the stove over high heat.
Step 4:: Drizzle the preheated skillet with canola oil, ensuring it coats the surface evenly. Arrange the onion slices in 8 small mounds on the skillet, with each mound about 1/4 cup. Top the onion mounds with jalapeño slices, using about 1 tablespoon per mound. Season each mound with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the onions begin to brown.
Step 5:: Place a beef ball on top of each onion mound. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, press down firmly on each ball to flatten it into a 4-inch-wide patty. Remove the parchment paper if using. Season the patties with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges begin to crisp.
Step 6:: Flip the patties so that the onion-jalapeño mixture is on top. Place a slice of American cheese on 4 of the patties. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the patties are well browned, about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Stack a plain patty on top of each cheese-covered patty to create double stacks.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these smash burgers immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted.
Pair with classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
If you have leftovers, store the patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat the patties on a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the burgers soggy.

Helpful Notes

For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use a less spicy pepper like poblano.
Try using different types of cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, for a variation in flavor.
If you prefer a more well-done burger, cook the patties for an additional minute on each side.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using a mix of brisket and chuck for a more flavorful beef patty.
Chef Bobby Flay recommends pressing down on the patties only once during cooking to retain the juices.
Chef Jamie Oliver advises letting the burgers rest for a minute after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.