January 28: Beef and Chicken Fajita Burgers with Seared Peppers and Onions

BEEF FAJITA BURGERS
1 1/3 pounds ground sirloin
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
   Several drops of hot sauce
1 tablespoon grill seasoning, such as McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning
   Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

CHICKEN FAJITA BURGERS
1 1/3 pounds ground chicken
1 tablespoon ground chipotle powder
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
   Several drops of hot sauce
1 tablespoon grill seasoning
   EVOO, for drizzling

SEARED PEPPERS AND ONIONS
1 tablespoon EVOO
2 red and/or green bell peppers, cored, seeded and thinly sliced lengthwise
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
2 garlic cloves, smashed out of the skin and chopped
1 jalapeno or serrano chili, seeded and chopped
2 cups prepared tomatillo salsa or chipotle-tomato salsa

8 crusty rolls, split
   Refried beans

Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.

For the beef fajita burgers: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, Worcestershire, chili powder, cumin, thyme, hot sauce, and grill seasoning. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and make 4 patties, 1 inch thick. Drizzle with EVOO. Cook the patties for 4 minutes on each side for medium, or until desired doneness.

For the chicken fajita burgers: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chipotle powder, cilantro, hot sauce, and grill seasoning. Divide the meat into 4 portions and form 4 big patties, 1 inch thick. Drizzle the patties with EVOO and cook for 6 minutes on each side, or until the burgers are firm and cooked through.

To make the peppers and onions, heat a medium skillet over high heat. Add EVOO and the bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry the veggies, tossing them with tongs, to sear them at the edges. Add the garlic and jalapenos.

Toss and turn the mixture for about 3 minutes, then add the salsa and toss for a minute longer. Place the burgers on each bun bottom and top with 1/8 of the pepper and onion mixture and bun top.

4 SERVINGS, 1 BEEF AND 1 CHICKEN PER PERSON

So, I guess you figured out we did not make the burgers in the recipe. My husband wanted comfort food, so I made him regular cheeseburgers and made him jalapenos and spicy refried beans, but I ate salad instead.

Don't pay attention to my pictures when making this recipe. Just make it as instructed. It's pretty good.