SUNNY'S EASY ON YOUR BODY AND LEAN JALAPENO BURGER

Sunny's Easy On Your Body and Lean Jalapeno Burger image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (97 percent meat, 3 percent fat)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon salt-free Southwestern seasoning blend
Freshly ground black pepper
4 jalapenos
4 slices American cheese
4 whole wheat burger buns, warmed
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups thinly shredded iceberg lettuce
Yellow mustard (optional)

Steps:

For the grill: Preheat the grill to 400 degrees F or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Crumble the beef into a large bowl. Add the salt, seasoning blend and some pepper. Mix the beef mixture gently with your hands so as to not overmix. Just fold the ground beef, don't mush or squeeze the ingredients into the beef. Form 4 patties.
Place the patties and the jalapenos over the direct heat of the grill or into the cast-iron pan. Cook the patties on one side until the meat is seared and releases easily from the grill grates or pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the patties and rotate the jalapenos to get them charred on both sides. Cook until desired doneness on the beef, 3 to 4 more minutes for medium-rare to medium.
For the toppings: Top the burgers with the cheese and transfer to a plate or sheet pan. Cover with aluminum foil for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the charred jalapenos and chop. Spread over the cheese on the burgers.
Squeeze mustard on both the top and bottom buns if desired. Build the burgers by topping the bottom buns with the cheeseburgers, jalapenos, a pile of red onions, a pile of lettuce and the top buns. Serve.