Smashburger with Roasted Jalapeño Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A juicy, seared smashburger topped with creamy roasted jalapeño aioli and crisp lettuce for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 25 minutes blends ground beef (80/20), salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice 2 medium jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until skins are blistered and peppers are soft, then let cool.
  2. Step 2: Blend the roasted jalapeños with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp lime juice until smooth; set aside this spicy aioli.
  3. Step 3: Divide 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely form into balls; season each with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place each beef ball in the skillet and smash down firmly with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
  5. Step 5: Flip burgers, place 1 slice of pepper jack cheese on each, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burgers reach medium doneness.
  6. Step 6: Toast 4 burger buns face down in the skillet for 1 minute until golden and warm.
  7. Step 7: Assemble burgers by spreading 1 tbsp roasted jalapeño aioli on each bun bottom, topping with smashed burger patties, and adding 1 romaine lettuce leaf before closing with bun tops.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smashburger with Roasted Jalapeño Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smashburger with Roasted Jalapeño Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smashburger with Roasted Jalapeño Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smashburger with Roasted Jalapeño Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smashburger with Roasted Jalapeño Aioli?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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