Chipotle Burgers

Add kick to your average burger.  Serve bunless alongside a salad or grilled vegetables to avoid processed flours and excessive starch.

Serves 8
Prep Time: 15 min.
Total time: 30 min.

Ingredients:

1 chipotle pepper finely chopped
1/4 cup chipotle sauce from can
3 tbsp. Minced Garlic, divided
1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp. of each… garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed black pepper
2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
1 tsp. Olive oil
6 slices cheddar cheese
6 1/4 inch-slices red onions
6 1/2 inch-slices tomatoes
6 lettuce Romaine lettuce leaves

Preparation:

1. In medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, 1 tbsp. chipotle sauce, 1 tsp. garlic, cilantro and seasonings; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. In large bowl, gently mix together beef, chopped chipotle, 3 tbsp. chipotle sauce, remaining garlic and adobo until combined. Divide meat into 6 portions; form into 1″-thick patties. (Take care not to over-handle meat or else it will toughen).

3. Prepare grill to medium-high heat, grease with oil (or heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat). Cook burgers, flipping once, until charred and cooked to desired doneness (about 12 minutes total for medium rare). Add cheese to patties about 5 minutes before taking them off grill.

4. To assemble, divide patties evenly among bottom buns; top with onion slice, tomato slice, and lettuce.