Spicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
• 9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
• 2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters

• Barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato slices, pickles (optional)

Instructions

1. Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.

2. Combine bread crumbs, Ground Beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.

   Cook's Tip: One-half teaspoon chili powder may be substituted for chipotle chili powder.

3. Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.

   Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.

4. Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.

• Test Kitchen Tips Use a gentle touch with ground beef. Over-mixing will result in burgers, meatballs or meatloaves with a firm texture.