Gather all your ingredients and set up your station for efficient assembly. The kitchen should smell warm and savory as the onions caramelize.
Mix the ground beef with the chopped caramelized onions, smoky chipotle sauce, and a pinch of salt. Handle the meat gently to keep the patties juicy and avoid overworking it.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 2 cm thick. Keep your hands light to prevent dense burgers.
Preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and slightly shimmering. You should hear a gentle sizzle when the patties hit the pan.
Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until they develop a deep caramel-colored crust and sizzle invitingly.
During the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese thoroughly—look for bubbling and slight browning at the edges.
While the cheese melts, slice your buns and lightly toast them in the same pan until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
Prepare the spicy mayo by mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce or sriracha until well combined and creamy with a bit of kick.
Assemble each burger by layering lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and a generous dollop of spicy mayo on the bottom bun. Top with the cheesy beef patty and cap with the top bun.
Using a chef’s knife, carve fun jack-o'-lantern faces into the top buns for a spooky, festive look. The carving should be precise but playful.
Serve the burgers immediately, with the carved buns sitting proudly on top. Enjoy the savory, smoky flavors and fun Halloween presentation.