Smoky Chipotle Smashburger with Fire-Roasted Jalapeño Aioli

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-20 · Updated 2026-06-20

A juicy smashburger packed with smoky chipotle flavor, topped with a creamy fire-roasted jalapeño aioli that adds just the right kick. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 20 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 550 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 small, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 4 slices cheddar cheese slices
• 4 burger buns
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 small, finely chopped fire-roasted jalapeño
• 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika in a bowl. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
2. Step 2: Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. Divide the beef into 4 equal portions and form into loose balls.
3. Step 3: Place each ball in the skillet and smash firmly with a spatula until about 1/2-inch thick. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
4. Step 4: Flip burgers, top each with a slice of 4 cheddar cheese slices, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 finely chopped fire-roasted jalapeño, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, and 1 tsp lemon juice until smooth.
6. Step 6: Lightly toast 4 burger buns in a separate pan with 2 tbsp olive oil until golden.
7. Step 7: Assemble burgers by spreading jalapeño aioli on the bottom buns, layering burgers, and topping with thinly sliced 1 small yellow onion and the top buns. Serve immediately.