This Jalapeño Cheeseburger is spicy, cheesy, and everything a good burger should be—just made a little lighter. It has the kind of flavor that makes you wonder why you'd ever go back to takeout.
When I was in Indianapolis staying with my nephews, I packed one of my favorite cookbooks, Cook This! Not That! (affiliate link), for some cooking inspiration. My nephew Austin flipped through the pages with me and picked this burger to make together. He had it gone before I even sat down—I'd say that’s the best kind of feedback!
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Cheeseburger
- It tastes like a splurge, but it’s not.
- The spice is just right, and you can make it milder or hotter.
- It’s made with easy-to-find ingredients and doesn’t take long.
We didn’t have pepper jack, so I used Monterey Jack with fresh diced jalapeños. And in true Shelby fashion, I stuffed the cheese right into the burger. It’s a little twist that turned out pretty great.
My Best Tips
Let the onions cook low and slow until golden and sweet.
Don’t overmix the meat—just enough to hold it together.
Toast your buns while the pan’s still hot.
What to Serve With It
I like to pair this burger with Southwestern Cheddar Steak Fries or Air Fryer French Fries. For something a little fresher, Creamy Coleslaw or Mexican Street Corn Salad works well, too.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 1½ tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers
- 1 cup caramelized onions see below for how to caramelize onions
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeno slices I went with fresh since that was what we had
- 4 potato burger buns
Instructions
- Combine the ketchup, relish, and mayo in a mixing bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sirloin with salt and pepper. Shape into 4 equal sized patties.
- In a small bowl, combine the cheese and diced jalapeños.
- Place ¼ of the cheese mixture into center of each burger patty and wrap the burger around the cheese to stuff the burger.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium high heat until hot. Place patties on the grill and cook on the first side 5-6 minutes until a nice crust develops.
- Flip the burgers and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until burgers are firm but still yielding to the touch.
- Remove the burger from the grill and set aside.
- Butter the cut side of each bun and grill on hot grill or skillet until lightly browned. Place a burger on the bottom half of each bun and top with caramelized onions, burger sauce, and jalapeño slices. Place top half of bun on burger and serve.
Patsyk says
Wow! What a great looking burger, and to save so many calories in the process... well, I am sold!
Cleaners London says
I love burgers and jalapeño! Love your posT!
LaPhemmePhoodie says
Holy moly that is a lot of calories, fat and sodium in the Applebee's burger. You know most people eat the fries too. Wow. The alternative burger sounds very tasty.
Gera@SweetsFoodsBlog says
Really this burger is for me! Jalapeño and cheese mmm extremely mouthwatering 🙂
Cheers,
Gera
Julie M. says
I don't eat a lot of red meat, but this has my mouth watering! I love those books. My friend had one at her house and i could barely set it down.
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Looks very yummy!
bridget {bake at 350} says
That looks SO good! 🙂
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
this sounds really good! And that sounds like a great cookbook 🙂
Linda says
I am so impressed - with the onions, jalapenos, and spread, I wouldn't miss the fat! I've recently become a fan of Kraft Sandwich Shop Reduced Cal Chipotle Mayo - so good!
Fallon says
YUM! I love the lower calorie version. The jalapeno sounds great. I usually opt for plain burgers out without a bun because I know how crazy those fancy burgers can get!
Kathleen says
I haven't had a hamburger in a long time. This one has me jonesing for a burger!
bellini says
I do love a good burger Shelby.
Shelby says
Dan, how is it not good? Lean protien, lowerfat, much less sodium.... If you have to have a burger this is definitely good for you. 🙂
vanillasugar says
good for me? good. now can i have two? lol
Dan says
I'd question the "good for you," but I'd definitely mark it up to "better than a regular burger.."
With that cheese and the peppers tho.. oohh. Must taste amazing.
Ninette says
This sounds really good!
Pegasuslegend says
I can't tell you the last time I ate meat, or a hamburger, now I am craving this at 7am in the morning nice job!