Crafting the Perfect Rodeo Burger: A Flavorful Journey into Outdoor Dining

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 4 whole whole wheat burger buns
• 1 cup crispy onion rings
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo, minced
• to taste fresh lettuce leaves
• to taste fresh tomato slices

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until combined but do not overwork the meat.
2. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each. This helps them cook evenly.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side.
4. Flip the patties and place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each one. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the burgers reach desired doneness (preferably medium).
5. While the burgers are cooking, prepare the chipotle mayo by mixing mayonnaise with minced chipotle in adobo in a small bowl.
6. Toast the whole wheat burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
7. Assemble the burgers: Start with the bottom bun, spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo, add a piece of lettuce, place the cheese-topped burger patty, drizzle some BBQ sauce, add crispy onion rings, and top with tomato slices. Finish with the top burger bun.
8. Repeat the assembly for the remaining burgers.