Description
Spicy Fajita Burgers with Cheddar & Peppers are juicy, flavorful beef patties seasoned with a bold fajita spice blend, topped with sautéed bell peppers and onions, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. This quick and easy recipe offers customizable heat levels and vibrant colors, making it perfect for a festive meal that delights both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 2 teaspoons Fajita Seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder blend)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 Yellow Onion, sliced into thin strips
- 4–6 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 4–6 Burger Buns, toasted
Optional Toppings
- Sour Cream
- Avocado Slices
- Fresh Cilantro
- Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Slice bell peppers and yellow onion into thin strips. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the peppers and onions until soft and slightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside for topping.
- Season the Ground Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with fajita seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, preserving tenderness and juiciness.
- Form the Patties: Divide the beef mixture evenly into 4-6 portions depending on desired burger size. Shape each portion into a round patty about ¾ inch thick, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing while cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for perfect doneness.
- Add Cheddar: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover loosely to melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Assemble the Burgers: Lightly toast burger buns. Layer the bottom bun with the cooked burger patty topped with melted cheddar, followed by the sautéed peppers and onions. Add any optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Let ground beef sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping patties for even cooking.
- Mix seasonings gently to avoid dense, tough burgers.
- Allow cooked burgers to rest a few minutes to redistribute juices.
- Toast buns to add texture and prevent sogginess from juicy fillings.
- Customize spice intensity by adjusting fajita seasoning or adding fresh chilies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg