Fiery Smash Burgers

Ingredients

Ketchup

4 tablespoons

Mayonnaise

4 tablespoons

Tomato

4 slices

Lettuce

4 leaves

Burger buns

4

Cheese slices

4

Salt and pepper

to taste

Cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon

Paprika

1 teaspoon

Garlic powder

1 teaspoon

Red onion

1/2, finely chopped

Jalapeno peppers

2, finely chopped

Ground beef

1 pound

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped jalapeno peppers, red onion, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into balls.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
4. Place the balls on the hot skillet and use a sturdy spatula to smash them down firmly into patties.
5. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
6. In the last minute of cooking, place a cheese slice on each patty and let it melt.
7. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns on the skillet or grill, until they're lightly golden and crispy.
8. Combine the ketchup and mayonnaise to create a tangy, spicy sauce. Spread this sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
9. Place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on top of the sauce.
10. Add the cooked patty with melted cheese on top of the tomato.
11. Cover with the top bun. Serve the burgers hot, with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.