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Jack O' Lantern Burgers

These playful burgers feature juicy beef patties topped with roasted seasonal pumpkin slices, melted cheese, fresh greens, and spicy aioli, all nestled in toasted buns. The key cooking methods include grilling, roasting, and toasting, resulting in a savory, smoky, and slightly sweet dish with a festive presentation perfect for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pound ground beef (chuck and brisket mix) seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 1 medium pumpkin or butternut squash sliced into thin rounds
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese optional, for melting
  • 4 tablespoons spicy aioli or chipotle mayo
  • 4 buns burger buns brioche preferred, toasted
  • 4 cups greens arugula or spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for seasoning

Equipment

  • Grill or skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Tongs
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat, aiming for about 200°C (390°F).
  2. Slice the pumpkin or butternut squash into thin, even rounds—this helps them cook evenly and caramelize nicely.
  3. Place the pumpkin slices on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 180°C (355°F) for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  4. While the pumpkin roasts, form the ground beef into four equal patties, pressing gently to avoid overworking the meat. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  5. Cook the beef patties on the preheated grill or skillet for about 4 minutes per side, until they develop a nice sear and are cooked through. Use tongs to handle them gently.
  6. During the last minute of cooking, toast the burger buns cut-side down until golden and crisp, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Once the pumpkin slices are roasted, assemble each burger by placing a cooked patty on the bottom bun, then layering a roasted pumpkin slice on top.
  8. Add a slice of cheddar cheese over the hot patty so it melts slightly, then top with fresh greens for a crisp contrast.
  9. Spread a generous dollop of spicy aioli on the top bun, then cap the burger with it to finish.
  10. Serve the burgers immediately, allowing the warm, smoky, and festive flavors to shine through with each bite.

Notes

For extra fun, carve small jack-o'-lantern faces into the pumpkin slices before roasting for a festive touch.