This recipe is intended to make enough spice mixture for 2-2.5lbs of ground beef, what I typically do is make the spice mixture and use half with 1 lb of ground beef, while saving the other half of the spice mixture for another day (ziplock bag in the fridge or freezer works perfectly) either for burgers or to use as a rub for steaks or maybe even some ribs????

With a coffeegrinder set on the absolute finest grind, grind up some of the dark roast espresso beans. I use an electric burr grinder with more settings than necessary, but use what you have, I might accidentally grind up more than a tablespoon, but will just set that aside for a future shot of espresso for after lunch!? You can also use French Roast coffee beans for this as well, the key is to make the grind very fine.

In a small bowl or measuring cup (I use that because of its spout) mix all the spices together well (a fork works awesome for this). In a larger bowl, crumble up the 2lbs of raw ground beef then sprinkle the spice mix over it in stages - 1/4 of the spices, then turn and mix, add another 1/4 of the spices, then mix, etc. Basically be sure to distribute these intense flavors evenly. Against all common old school wisdom I'm actually not afraid to "overwork" the meat when I do this. At this point you can then form the 2lbs of ground beef into 8 1/4lb patties, or 16 1/8lb sider patties. Given the intense flavors, I think these make for especially good sliders! :) Cook the patties either on the grill or in a skillet on the stovetop. Enjoy with a side of green vegetables or as part of a delicious lettuce wrap.

For those watching their salt intake, simply reduce the amount of sea salt in the recipe. Either way, the combination of the espresso flavors with the smoky chipotle pepper and smoked hot paprika will absolutely wake up your tastebuds!!