Jalapeno Cheddar Burger

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Homemade Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers made with lean ground beef, cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeno, red onion, and a secret seasoning blend are the perfect burgers for your next barbecue.

238 CAL 3g CARBS 9g FAT 37g PROTEIN
2 Comments

This Jalapeno Cheddar Burger is seriously good - like I want to eat five burgers good. It's packed with jalapenos, red onion, and cheddar cheese. It's packed full of flavor and tastes like something from a fancy burger place.

It's my favorite burger to serve to anyone who claims you can't make a good burger with lean ground meat. It always changes their mind since these burgers are flavorful, moist, and shockingly easy to make.

In terms of the burger itself, you can play around with how much spice you like. I usually make it with one fresh deveined jalapeno. It's just a touch spicy and palatable for everyone. Then I top it with some grilled jalapenos to crank up the heat and get it nice and spicy for me.

Cheddar jalapeno burgers stacked on a plate with a jalapeno on the side.

What You'll Need and Easy Swaps

Here's everything you will need to make these tasty jalapeno burgers.

  • Lean ground beef: Make these burgers with any type of ground beef you like. Just remember that since these burgers have shredded cheese in the patty, they won't dry out as easily as a normally lean beef burger, so I use 90-95% lean ground beef. Ground chicken or turkey will work as well.
  • Fresh jalapenos: Always opt for fresh jalapenos when you can but swap in pickled jalapenos if that's all you have on hand. Poblano peppers or bell pepper would also work.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Any shredded cheese you have on hand can be used for these burgers including cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda. 
  • Red onion: For some crunch and flavor, red onion is the perfect addition. If you don't like fresh onion, leave it out or swap in onion powder.
  • Mustard: This acts as the seasoning blend in this burger and adds some moisture. Use whatever type of mustard you like to eat - yellow, Dijon, or whole grain.
  • Worcestershire sauce: This is the other main seasoning agent in these burgers. It's salty and adds umami flavor to the burgers. Swap in some soy sauce or coconut aminos if you prefer.

Side Dishes for Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers

There are so many great side dishes for burgers from salads to fries to onion rings. Here are some favorites: 

Jalapeno burgers with cheddar cheese on a roll with sprouts and yogurt sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about making these Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers.

These burgers work great with any type of ground meat including ground turkey or chicken. Since turkey tends to be leaner, look for 85% lean or 93% lean ground turkey to ensure the burgers don't dry out.

These burgers are mildly spicy since the seeds and veins have been removed from the jalapeno. For extra spice, leave in the seeds or double the amount of jalapenos.

Reheat the burgers in a medium skillet until warmed through. Warming leftover burgers in the microwave will result in rubbery or dry burgers.

Hand picking up a jalapeno cheddar burger topped with sprouts and tomatoes.
The Recipe
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Jalapeno Cheddar Burger

238 CAL 3g CARBS 9g FAT 37g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 15 Min
TOTAL TIME: 20 Min
2 Comments
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 1.33 lbs 95% lean ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1/3 cup red onion, chopped finely
  • 1 jalapeno, chopped finely (seeded for less heat)
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided

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Instructions

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1

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until just combined. Divide into patties and let rest for 10 minutes.

Ground beef, jalapeno, red onion, and cheddar cheese in a bowl.
2

Cook burgers on the grill for 4-6 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking. You can also cook in a skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side. Serve on your favorite hamburger roll or a bed of greens. Add your favorite condiments.

Jalapeno cheddar burger on a grill pan.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 burger
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238
Calories from Fat 12
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g
14%
Saturated Fat 4g
20%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
0%
Cholesterol 97mg
33%
Sodium 582mg
25%
Total Carbohydrate 3g
1%
Dietary Fiber 1g
2%
Sugars 1g
Protein 37g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
2 Comments
On Jalapeno Cheddar Burger
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Mother of Many
May 4, 2020 - 19:32
Add a Rating:
5
I increased the jalapeno a bit (we like spicy) but it had great flavor. I made it with ground turkey. Looking forward to having them again soon.
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Freda Potter
January 25, 2017 - 15:35
Add a Rating:
5
Just as good if not better than the gourmet burgers at Fresh Market. Left out the onion because i don't care for it.
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