Habanero Caramelized Onion & Bacon Cheeseburgers

Servings: 4

For the Habanero Caramelized Onions:

• 2 Yellow Onions, finely sliced or chopped
• 2 Habanero Peppers, finely chopped
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil

For the Bacon Cheeseburgers:

• 1 package (4-count) Steakhouse Elite Kobe-Style Ground Beef Burgers
• 4 Burger Buns
• 6-8 strips Bacon
• ¼ cup BBQ Seasoning
• 4 slices Cheddar Cheese
• Chipotle Aioli, storebought or homemade recipe below
• 2 cups Baby Arugula

For the Chipotle Aioli (or storebought):

• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• 1 Garlic Clove, pressed
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• ¼ tsp. Chipotle Powder
• 1-2 tbsp. Sriracha Sauce, or to taste
• Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

For the Habanero Caramelized Onions & Bacon:

1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil and chopped onions to sauté for 8-10 minutes, until tender and translucent. Add water and/or reduce heat to medium if the onions are beginning to become too dark without caramelizing.
2. Add the chopped habaneros and brown sugar to continue cooking another 8-10 minutes, until deeply caramelized. Once caramelized, set aside.
3. Remove the onions to cook the bacon until golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet, pat the excess oils with a paper towel then set aside.

For the Chipotle Aioli:

1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Set aside until ready to serve.

For the Bacon Cheeseburgers:

1. Preheat the grill to medium or medium-high heat. Oil the grates with olive oil or with your preferred neutral oil.
2. Add the burger patties directly on the grill to cook 3-4 minutes.
3. Flip the burgers, then add the sliced cheddar on top of each. Close the lid to cook an additional 2-4 minutes, until desired doneness and browned along the edges.
4. Remove from heat to layer on the burger buns with the chipotle aioli, arugula, cheeseburgers, crispy bacon, and habanero caramelized onions. Best enjoyed immediately!