Jalapeño Pickled Beef Burgers with Creamy Avocado Ranch
Turn a simple beef patty into a flavor explosion with fresh jalapeño pickles and a lush avocado ranch. This recipe delivers bold heat, creamy zing, and protein-packed goodness—all in half an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd‑pleasing lunches.
Ingredients
- • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
- • 1 cup finely diced jalapeño pickles (plus ¼ cup pickle juice)
- • 2 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1 tsp smoked paprika
- • 1 tsp dried oregano
- • Salt and pepper, to taste
- • 4 whole‑grain buns
- Ranch:
- • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- • ¼ cup mayonnaise
- • 1 avocado, ripe
- • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- • 1 tsp lime juice
- • ½ tsp garlic powder
- • Salt and pepper, to taste
- • 2 tbsp pickle juice
- • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, diced jalapeño pickles, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup pickle juice. Mix until just combined.
- 2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, about ¾" thick.
- 3. Heat a cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the patties and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness, pressing gently to keep them flat.
- 4. While the burgers finish, whisk all ranch ingredients together in a blender or food processor until silky smooth.
- 5. Toast the buns lightly in a dry pan or toaster for a minute to add warmth and crunch.
- 6. Assemble each burger: a patty on the bun base, a generous spoonful of ranch, then the bun top.
- 7. Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves and optional red‑pepper flakes for extra flair.
- 8. Serve immediately with your choice of side: sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad.
Chef's Note
Quick Pickle Hack: If you run out of pickles, make a fast pickle in 5 minutes by simmering sliced jalapeños, salt, sugar, and vinegar for 5 minutes. Cool on the stovetop and use immediately.
Make-Ahead Tips
The pickle juice and fresh avocado ranch can be prepared a day ahead; keep the ranch chilled in a sealed container. Assemble burgers just before serving to keep buns from soaking.
Substitutions
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or bison for a leaner cut. Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter sauce.
Slug: jalapeno-pickled-beef-burgers-cream-avocado-ranch