Viral Black Pepper Crusted Cave Burgers

These Viral Black Pepper Crusted Cave Burgers are the ultimate BBQ recipe. Topped with jalapeños, cheese and pickled onions.

Oh my goodness! These burgers are absolutely positively INSANE! In the best way possible.

I am hooked on these and needless to say my husband is going to request them at every single BBQ moving forward. If you love a little spice with your burger, these are a must try. The black pepper crusted burger with jalapeños and cheese on top (and my pickled onion add-on) is the ultimate flavor bomb.

You can serve these with a bun, on a salad or however you enjoy burgers. We did a mix of both and when you slice into the burger and the juices come running, it’s the ultimate move. The juice acts as a dressing and it’s just so so good.

I cannot wait to hear what you think of these! 

What ingredients are in these Pepper Cave Burgers:

• Ground beef – I did 92% lean but really any works. I’d prefer 85% to be honest!
• Thick slices cheese – cheddar or swiss work best for use your favorite burger cheese
• Jalapeños – with seeds removed so it’s not too spicy 
• Pickled red onions – can be optional but I love this addition 
• Crushed black pepper – key part of the recipe

How to make Pepper Crusted Cave Burgers:

1. Warm the grill to 400 degrees F
2. Form ground beef into patties and roll them into black pepper
3. Place onto grill and press down to make indentation in the center (I used drinking glass)
4. Add the cheese, pickled onions and jalapeños into indentation
5. Flip the burgers *once* (I did after they cooked for about 5 minutes) then grill until cooked to your liking and enjoy on a bun or over a salad

FAQs on making these pepper burgers:

1. Can you use another ground meat? Absolutely! Lamb, chicken or turkey can also work. Just adjust cook time as needed as it’ll vary based off the meat variety
2. Are these spicy? They are definitely more on the spicy side than not from the jalapeños and black pepper.
3. Can I use other toppings? Of course! But the original recipe has jalapeños and cheese.
4. Are these good leftover? Eh, burgers are best hot off the grill but you do you! Reheat in oven or on grill if you eat them leftover.

A few other grilling recipes to try:

How to Make Grilled Whole Chicken

The Best Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Inside-Out Cheeseburgers

How to Make Grilled Salmon Kebabs!