Jalapeno Popper Burgers

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
3 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 tsp. olive oil
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika
2 lbs. ground beef
4 slices pepper jack cheese
4 hamburger buns, split
4 lettuce leaves
1 large tomato, sliced
3/4 c. quacamole

Directions:
Brush jalapenos with oil.  Grill, covered, over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally.  When cool enough to handle, finely chop.  In a small bowl, combine the bacon, cream cheese and jalapeno until blended.

In a large bowl, combine the garlic, salt, lemon-pepper, pepper and paprika.  Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.  Shape into 8 thin patties.  Spoon bacon mixture onto center of 4 patties; top with remaining patties and press edges to firmly seal.

Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees and juices run clear.  Top with pepper jack cheese.  Cover and cook 1-2 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

Grill buns, cut side down, over medium heat for 30-60 seconds or until toasted.  Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato and guacamole.