Chili Pepper Jack Burger

Ingredients:

For the burger patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese

For the chili topping:

• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

For assembling the burger:

• 4 burger buns
• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Optional: Jalapeño slices or hot sauce for extra heat

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chili Topping:
   • Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
   • Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pan and sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans along with diced tomatoes (undrained) to the pan. Stir well.
   • Allow the chili mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
2. Form the Burger Patties:
   • Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
   • Gently shape each portion into a patty, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
   • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
   • During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each patty to melt.
3. Toast the Burger Buns:
   • While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Place a cooked burger patty with melted Pepper Jack cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
   • Spoon a generous amount of the prepared chili topping on each patty.
   • Add crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and red onions on top of the chili.
5. Add Extra Heat (Optional):
   • For those who enjoy extra heat, add jalapeño slices or drizzle hot sauce over the toppings.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Chili Pepper Jack Burgers immediately while they’re hot and loaded with spicy chili goodness.
   • These burgers pair well with sides like sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, or a simple side salad.

Enjoy the fiery and flavorful Chili Pepper Jack Burgers, combining the heat of chili with the creamy goodness of Pepper Jack cheese! Adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference.