75% Lean Ground Beef - 1 lb.

Pepper-Crusted BBQ Smash Burgers with Queso

Recipe By: Jessi Heggan | Jessi’s Kitchen | Foodsocial Recipe

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb 75% Lean Ground Beef – US Wellness Meats
• 4 Tbsp Black Pepper, coarsely ground
• 2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 2/3 cup Jalapeños, Pickled
• 1/2 cup Pitmaster Original (Kansas City-Style) BBQ Sauce – True Made Foods
• 1/2 cup Original Cheese Dip – Drippy Dip
• 1/2 cup Pickled Onions, optional
• 4 whole Hamburger Buns
• 4 Tbsp Butter, Salted

Instructions

1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Gently roll each portion into a loose ball.
2. Spread the coarsely ground black pepper onto a plate or piece of parchment paper. Roll each beef ball in the pepper until lightly coated on all sides. Set aside.
3. Preheat an outdoor griddle, cast-iron skillet, or flat-top grill over high heat until very hot.
4. Place the beef balls on the hot cooking surface, leaving space between each one. Using a burger press, spatula, or heavy weight, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the edges begin to brown and crisp.
5. Flip the patties and immediately top each one with pickled jalapeños and a generous amount of cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through.
6. Stack two patties together to create two double smash burgers. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
7. Reduce the heat to medium. Butter the cut sides of the buns and place them on the griddle. Toast for 1 minute, or until golden brown.
8. Spread a generous amount of Pitmaster BBQ Sauce on the bottom bun. Add the double smash burger, then top with pickled onions (if using) and a drizzle of Drippy Original Cheese Dip.
9. Add the top bun and serve immediately while hot and melty.