Go Back

Jack O’ Lantern Burgers

These playful burgers combine roasted pumpkin and hearty ground beef to create a fall-inspired meal with a juicy interior and a slightly caramelized, flavorful crust. Topped with melted cheese and festive cranberry sauce, they offer a fun and satisfying way to celebrate the season. The buns are toasted to golden perfection, completing this visually striking dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small pumpkin halved and seeded
  • 500 g ground beef or turkey / plant-based alternative
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
  • 4 buns burger buns brioche or sesame
  • 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce or orange marmalade
  • 2 teaspoons spicy mustard Dijon or honey mustard
  • 1 head lettuce crispy or arugula
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for roasting pumpkin
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Grill or Cast-Iron Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick or Skewer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Slice the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil. Roast until soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes, until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. While the pumpkin roasts, form the ground beef into four evenly sized patties. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika if you like. Set aside.
  3. Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and mash it well in a bowl until smooth. Drain any excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the burgers.
  4. Heat your grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef patties for about 4 minutes per side, until they develop a nice crust and reach an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F).
  5. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover briefly to let it melt into a gooey layer.
  6. While the patties finish, slice the buns and lightly toast them on the grill until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Spread a tablespoon of spicy mustard on the bottom buns. Layer each burger with a beef patty, a generous spoonful of roasted pumpkin, and a handful of crispy lettuce.
  8. Top each burger with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a smear of orange marmalade for a festive touch. Cover with the top bun and press gently to hold everything together.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the fun, fall-inspired flavors of these hearty, colorful burgers!

Notes

Ensure the pumpkin is well drained after roasting to keep the burger mixture from becoming too watery. Feel free to customize toppings to suit your taste, like adding caramelized onions or spicy jalapeños.