Smokey Pepper Cheeseburgers are the absolute best in burgers.
There is nothing better then a fantastic burger and this one hits all the categories. Smokey pepper flavor from green and red peppers combine with sharp cheddar cheese and the perfect seasoning mix.
Your burger life will never be the same! Ha! This is such a great base for a delicious burger recipe.
You could spice this up with big slices of thick bacon, add the fresh taste of avocados, or even get crazy and top with a tomato bacon relish. Oh the burger possibilities are endless.
Or go with the traditional burger toppings of ketchup, mustard, mayo, pickles and onion. You can’t go wrong either way.
Smokey pepper cheeseburgers are simple, easy and quick but boy the flavors will have you coming back to this recipe time and time again.
Serve this burger with maple dijon sweet potatoes and pair with my air fryer onion rings and your dinner is done.
Keeping it Keto and low carb? Then serve with steamed green beans and fresh Italian cauliflower rice.
Smokey pepper cheeseburgers are perfect for your summer BBQs or backyard parties. It is so easy to make a big batch or you can freeze them for easy weeknight dinners. Check out the “How to store” section for tips!
Alright let’s get cooking and get your burgers ready for an easy dinner!
Jump to:
Step by step instructions
- First slice your red and green peppers into small pieces.
- Next slice your cheese into small pieces too.
- Add ground beef to a bowl, add spices, liquid smoke, peppers, and cheese. Mix together.
- Place parchment paper on a baking sheet (for easy clean up), form beef mixture into hamburger patties. Put your thumb in the center of the burgers to make a “thumb print”.
- Finally heat the grill to 350 degrees. Grill 5 minutes per side. Your burgers will have a slight pink in the center. Adjust your cooking time depending on how rare or cooked you prefer your burgers. Remove from the grill and serve warm!
Tips for success
- Canyon Gluten Free Hamburger Buns are our go to buns for the family.
- Smart Bun Keto Hamburger Buns are also really good for your low carb days.
- You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your burgers. For medium burgers the internal temperature should be between 140-145 degrees. You will have a slight pink in the center. Check out “How to grill the perfect burger” section for other times and temps.
- Why a thumb print in a burger? This will help to make sure your burger does not bulge or puff while cooking. It also helps the burger cook evenly and maintain the perfect shape.
- Liquid smoke is a great way to add additional smoke flavors to your burgers. I like to use Colgin Liquid Smoke because it is gluten free.
How to grill the perfect burger
According to the USDA, they recommend an internal temperature of 160 degrees which is cooked all the way through. If you do not prefer your burger that way, here are some guidelines:
- RARE: 4 minutes total, 125 internal temperature
- MEDIUM-RARE: 5 minutes total, 135 internal temperature
- MEDIUM: 6-7 minutes total, 145 internal temperature
- WELL DONE: 8-9 minutes total, 160 internal temperature
This is where a meat thermometer is important. Times will vary depending on how thick your burger and the temperature of your grill. This is standard for 1 inch burgers about 4-5 inches in diameter. We like our burgers a little more thick so are cooking times might be slightly longer.
How to heat and store leftovers
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Microwave: Place burger on a microwave safe dish. Heat for 60 seconds or until it is nice and warm.
Stovetop: Place the burger in a skillet on medium heat, heat until it is nice and warm. About 5 minutes.
FREEZER OPTIONS:
- Once the burger has cooled, wrap each burger in parchment paper and then plastic wrap. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent freezer burn.
- If you have a super saver, place the cool burgers in a super saver bag and seal.
- USDA says they are good for 4 months in the freezer.
I hope you have enjoyed my smokey pepper cheeseburgers. If you have tried this recipe, please comment and review below.
Please try some of my other entree recipes:
Smokey Pepper Cheeseburgers
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 4 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 3/4 cup Red peppers
- 3/4 cup Green peppers
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoons Liquid Smoke
Instructions
- First chop green and red peppers and cheese into small pieces. Set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl add ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke. Then add peppers and cheese. Mix together.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take some beef mixture and form hamburger patties. Put a thumbprint in the middle of each burger.
- Preheat grill to 350 degrees. Place burgers on the grill and cook 5 minutes per side. The burgers will have a slight pink in the center. The internal temperature will be 140-145 degrees.
Notes
- RARE: 4 minutes total, 125 internal temperature
- MEDIUM-RARE: 5 minutes total, 135 internal temperature
- MEDIUM: 6-7 minutes total, 145 internal temperature
- WELL DONE: 8-9 minutes total, 160 internal temperature
Amy says
Holy Cow!! Girl these look amazing. We are breaking out the grill for these!
Kelly Rodrigue says
Why thank you!! We love them in this house! Hope you enjoy them!