– 1 lb ground beef (80/20) – Salt and black pepper to taste – 1 tsp garlic powder – 4 slices pepper jack cheese – 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced – 4 brioche buns – 4 tbsp chipotle mayo – 1/2 cup crispy fried onions – Butter for toasting buns – Lettuce leaves (optional)
In a bowl, mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 equal patties and press a slight dimple in the center of each.
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty. Cover to melt the cheese completely.
In a separate pan, lightly sauté jalapeño slices for 2 minutes to soften slightly and reduce raw heat while keeping the spice.
Toast brioche buns with a little butter on a skillet until golden and slightly crispy on the inside for added flavor and texture.
Spread chipotle mayo on both sides of the toasted buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun if using.
Add the cheesy burger patty, top with sautéed jalapeños and crispy fried onions. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately..