Spicy Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers

Bring the heat to your burger night with these bold and juicy Spicy Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers! Thin, crispy-edged patties are layered with melty cheese, zesty caramelized jalapeños and onions, and finished with a creamy, spicy sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking indoors, this recipe will give you that smoky diner-style burger with a fiery twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold & Spicy Flavor – Jalapeños and seasoned onions add the perfect heat and depth.
• Smash Burger Texture – Crispy, caramelized edges with a tender center.
• Quick & Easy – Just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for game day, cookouts, or weeknight indulgence.
• Customizable Heat Level – Control the spice to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Burger Patties:

• 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp neutral oil or butter (for searing)

For the Jalapeño-Onion Topping:

• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for milder heat)
• ½ tsp sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Spicy Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For Assembly:

• 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
• 4 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Leaf lettuce or shredded cabbage (optional)
• Tomato slices (optional)
• Pickles (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet or flat griddle
• Metal spatula (for smashing)
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Foil or lid (to melt cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Jalapeño-Onion Mix

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and jalapeños.
3. Sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until soft, golden, and slightly caramelized.
5. Set aside.

Step 3: Form & Season Burger Balls

1. Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls (don’t press them into patties yet).
2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Keep chilled until cooking.

Step 4: Smash & Cook the Patties

1. Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Add a bit of oil or butter, then place 2 beef balls in the skillet.
3. Using a spatula (with parchment paper if needed), press down hard to flatten into thin patties.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them—edges should get crispy.
5. Flip and immediately top with cheese slices.
6. Cover briefly with foil or a lid to melt the cheese.
7. Repeat with remaining patties.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. While burgers are cooking, toast buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Spread spicy sauce on the top and bottom buns.
2. Add lettuce or cabbage to the bottom bun if using.
3. Place the cheesy smash burger patty on next.
4. Top with a generous spoonful of the jalapeño-onion mix.
5. Add tomato slices or pickles if desired.
6. Top with the bun and press gently.

Tips for the Best Smash Burgers

• Smash with Confidence – Press down firmly right after placing the beef on the hot surface.
• Don’t Flip Too Soon – Wait for a dark crust to form before turning the patty.
• Use High Heat – It’s essential for those crispy edges and juicy interior.
• Fresh Jalapeños Only – They caramelize better and add fresh heat compared to pickled ones.
• Double Up for Extra Indulgence – Add two thin patties per burger if you’re feeling extra hungry.

Serving Suggestions

• Seasoned Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Creamy Coleslaw – A cooling contrast to the spice.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob – Dust with chili-lime seasoning for a fun side.
• Iced Limeade or Sparkling Water – Refreshing drinks to balance the heat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftover patties and toppings in separate airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat patties over medium heat with a splash of water and covered to keep them juicy.
• Microwave: Heat patties for 30-45 seconds on medium power.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes! Just be gentle with smashing, and cook a little longer as poultry takes more time.
2. What’s the best cheese for this burger?
   Pepper jack for heat, or classic cheddar for rich flavor and meltability.
3. Can I make the jalapeño-onion topping in advance?
   Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheats quickly in a skillet.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
   It can be! Just reduce or skip the jalapeños and hot sauce to dial down the spice.
5. Can I grill these burgers instead of using a skillet?
   Yes. Flatten them slightly before placing on the grill, and use a hot grate for searing.

Final Thoughts
These Spicy Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are a flavor-packed twist on a classic, combining the perfect amount of heat, crisp, and creamy indulgence. With every bite, you’ll get juicy beef, gooey cheese, smoky jalapeños, and a hit of heat from the spicy sauce. It’s everything a burger should be—and then some.

Give it a try and spice up your next burger night! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your burger creations with friends and family.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 560 | Protein: 33g | Carbohydrates: 27g | Fat: 36g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 670mg

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