Pepper Jack BBQ Fiesta Burger

Ingredients:

For the burger patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of Pepper Jack cheese

For the Fiesta BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup salsa (your preferred level of heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling the burger:

• 4 burger buns
• Crisp lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Sliced jalapeños (optional for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fiesta BBQ Sauce:
   • In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, salsa, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Gently mix the seasonings into the ground beef without overworking the meat.
   • Divide the seasoned beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, making them slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
3. Grill the Burger Patties:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
   • During the last minute of grilling, add a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on top of each patty and allow it to melt.
4. Prepare the Burger Assembly:
   • While the patties are grilling, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill until they are golden brown.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
   • Spread a generous amount of the Fiesta BBQ Sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
   • Place a lettuce leaf on top of the sauce to create a bed for the burger.
   • Add a cooked burger patty with melted Pepper Jack cheese on top of the lettuce.
   • Layer sliced tomatoes, red onions, and jalapeños (if using) on the patty.
   • Place the top half of the bun over the toppings.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Pepper Jack BBQ Fiesta Burgers immediately, allowing everyone to experience the zesty flavors.
   • Consider serving these burgers with sides like Mexican street corn, seasoned fries, or a side of guacamole for a complete fiesta-themed meal.

Enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of the Pepper Jack BBQ Fiesta Burger for a delicious and festive meal!