Mexican-American·Main Course
Fajita Cheeseburger
A flavor-packed twist on the viral Mexican burger, featuring a custom fajita spice blend, pan-seared peppers and onions, and a unique mayo-toasted bun for maximum crunch.
Prep
15m
Cook
15m
Total
30m
Serves
1
Method
- 01
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano. Mix thoroughly to create the fajita spice blend and set aside.
Watch · 0:22
- 02
Form the ground beef into a smooth ball, then flatten it into a patty slightly larger than your bun. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Watch · 1:06
- 03
Spread mayonnaise on the inside and outside of both bun halves. Place them in a dry pan over medium-high heat and toast for about 1 minute per side until impressively browned and crisp.
Watch · 2:06
- 04
Wipe out the pan if necessary and melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the burger patty in the center and surround it with the sliced onions, jalapenos, and tomatoes. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt.
Watch · 2:49
- 05
Sear for about 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to char. Dust the top of the burger and the vegetables generously with the prepared fajita spice. Flip the burger and apply another heavy dusting of spice to the second side.
Watch · 3:38
- 06
Continue cooking until the burger reaches your desired doneness (Chef John recommends well-done for this style). Top with a thick slice of Monterey Jack cheese and allow it to melt for about 45 seconds. Pile the seared vegetables directly onto the cheese-covered patty.
Watch · 4:43
- 07
Transfer the loaded burger onto the mayo-toasted bun. Serve immediately, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to cut through the richness.
Watch · 5:05
From Chef John
“You are after all the princesa of this hamburguesa.”
“I cannot resist touching the food.”
“As long as you can get your mouth around it, it's not too big.”