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Jack O' Lantern Burgers

These festive burgers incorporate roasted pumpkin mashed into ground beef, flavored with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. The mixture is formed into patties, grilled to perfection, and served on toasted buns with toppings like cheddar, caramelized onions, and arugula, resulting in a juicy, flavorful bite with a seasonal pumpkin twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small pumpkin or squash for roasting
  • 500 g ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon adds warmth
  • salt and pepper to taste seasoning
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese optional, for topping
  • 1 large onion for caramelizing
  • 2 handfuls arugula for topping
  • 4 burger buns burger buns lightly toasted
  • mayonnaise or spicy mayo aioli or spicy mayo for serving

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the pumpkin or squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40 minutes until deeply caramelized and tender.
  2. Once roasted and cooled slightly, scoop out the pumpkin flesh and mash it until smooth, revealing its sweet, nutty aroma and vibrant color.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the mashed pumpkin, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, mixing gently until well incorporated.
  4. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 150 grams, pressing gently to ensure they hold their shape.
  5. Wrap each patty in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them set and hold together during cooking.
  6. Meanwhile, thinly slice the onion and cook it over medium heat in a skillet until golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
  7. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
  8. While the burgers cook, lightly toast the burger buns until golden and crispy on the cut sides.
  9. Assemble the burgers by spreading aioli or spicy mayo on the bottom buns, then placing the cooked patties topped with slices of cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh arugula.
  10. Finish by placing the top buns on and serving the burgers immediately, with extra mayo on the side if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the beef mixture. Feel free to customize toppings with sautéed mushrooms or bacon for more indulgence.