Outside-In Burgers with Sweet and Spicy Ketchup

1 ½

pounds lean ground beef

¾

teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½

teaspoon salt

½

teaspoon granulated garlic

½

teaspoon Mexican oregano

¼

teaspoon ground cumin

1 egg lightly beaten, if needed

1 cup diced red onion

1 cup diced cheddar

4 buns

Sweet and Spicy Ketchup

2½

tablespoons Hungarian paprika

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons medium-heat chili powder

¼

teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups ketchup

Heat gas grill to medium-high or prepare a charcoal grill.

In a medium bowl add the ground beef, pepper, salt, garlic, oregano and cumin. Add the egg, if needed to bind, and mix until thoroughly combined, but not overworked.

Form into 4 equal-sized balls. Flatten out each ball to 1/4-inch thick and put 1 tablespoon each of the diced red onion and diced cheddar in the middle. Fold the burger meat over the onion and cheese, enclosing it securely in the middle of the meat, and form it back into a ball. Flatten into 3/4-inch thick burger patties.

For the ketchup: To a small jar with a tightfitting lid, add the paprika, salt, chili powder and cayenne; shake to combine. Add 2 cups ketchup to a bowl; stir in 3 tablespoons spice mixture. Taste. Add more spice mixture if desired.

Grill the burgers to desired doneness, turning only once. Toast the buns on the grill over indirect heat. Add the burgers to the buns and serve with Sweet and Spicy Ketchup.

Serves four.