Inferno Nacho Cheeseburger

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85/15) for burger patties
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (jarred or homemade)
• 1 cup tortilla chips, roughly crushed
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices, drained
• 4 brioche buns, split
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 thick tomato slices
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for buns
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: sour cream for serving

Instructions

1. Season beef with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; form into 4 patties.
2. Preheat skillet over medium-high; sear patties 3–4 minutes per side until cooked to desired doneness, placing a cheese slice on each patty last minute to melt.
3. Toast buns with butter until golden; spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on bottom buns.
4. Assemble: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato, patty with melted cheese, nacho cheese sauce, crushed tortilla chips, jalapeños, and top bun. Drizzle extra nacho cheese if desired.
5. Serve immediately with optional sour cream on the side.