Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices of pepper jack cheese (for a spicy kick)
  • 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or sesame seed)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ ripe avocado, mashed
  • ½ juice of half a lime
  • ½ salt, to taste
  • ½ a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • (Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, pickles, red onion slices)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Spicy Avocado Mayo: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
  2. Make the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure tender burgers.
  3. Form Patties: Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about an inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps them cook evenly.
  4. Preheat Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about five minutes.
  5. Cook the Burgers: Place burger patties on the grill/skillet without overcrowding them: Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking on one side, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each patty to melt.
  6. Toast Buns: If desired toast burger buns face down on the grill/skillet during the last minute of cooking.
  7. Assemble Your Burger: Start by spreading a generous amount of spicy avocado mayo on both halves of each toasted bun.
  8. Add lettuce first followed by tomato slices then place your cheesy burger patty on top.
  9. Finish with pickles and red onions as desired before closing up your burger with its other half.
  10. Serve immediately while hot!