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Jack o Lantern Burgers

These playful Jack o Lantern Burgers feature juicy beef patties topped with caramelized peppers and onions, all nestled in soft burger buns. The process involves grilling, caramelizing, and assembling for a visually festive and flavorful fall dish with smoky sweetness and satisfying textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g ground beef (80/20) for juicy, flavorful patties
  • 2 bell peppers sliced for caramelizing
  • 1 yellow onions sliced for caramelizing
  • 4 burger buns soft, slightly sweet
  • 4 slice cheddar cheese optional, for melting
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp oil for caramelizing and cooking burgers

Equipment

  • Grill or cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush

Method
 

  1. Slice the bell peppers and onions thinly, then set aside.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced peppers and onions.
  3. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix until just combined.
  5. Form the mixture into four equal patties, about 150 grams each, pressing a small dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking.
  6. Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat, around 200°C (390°F).
  7. Place the patties onto the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until a crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Use a meat thermometer to check.
  8. During the last minute of cooking, place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill to toast until golden, about 1 minute.
  9. Once cooked, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly while resting.
  10. Assemble each burger by placing a beef patty on the toasted bun bottom, then topping with caramelized peppers and onions.
  11. Cap with the top bun, add any extra toppings if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the juicy, flavorful bites with a playful look.

Notes

For extra Halloween fun, cut the burger buns into pumpkin faces before toasting. Feel free to swap the cheese or add spicy mayo for extra flavor.