These Southwest burgers with guacamole and spicy mayo are flavor-packed and come together in just 30 minutes. Juicy ground beef patties are mixed with green chiles, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, and spices, then grilled and topped with melty cheese, creamy guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo. Perfect for easy summer dinners, cookouts, or anytime you're craving a bold, spicy burger recipe.
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About My Southwest Burger
Every summer, JJ and I turn burger nights into our own little version of Top Chef, a friendly competition to see who can come up with the most creative and most delicious burger. His brown sugar burger held the title for a while, until this one came along.
I tested and tweaked this taco-inspired burger numerous times that summer, dialing in the seasoning, texture, and toppings until it was just right for the blog.
Like a lot of my Tex-Mex recipes, it's bold, a little unexpected, and one of those meals that makes you pause mid-bite and say, "okay, wow."
If your usual burgers are starting to feel a little predictable, this is the kind of recipe that shakes things up in the best way.
Ingredient Notes
Everything in this southwest burger recipe is designed to build flavor from the inside out, with simple ingredients that work together to create a juicy, well-seasoned burger and fresh, flavorful toppings.
- I use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner beef can dry out quickly on the grill.
- Crushed tortilla chips are a Tex-Mex twist on breadcrumbs that adds subtle corn flavor and a little texture.
- Canned and diced green chiles add mild heat and moisture. Drain them well so the burger patties don't get too soft.
- Spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika provide warmth and smokiness without overpowering heat. If you want a super spicy burger, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the patty mixture.
- Fresh cilantro brings a bright, fresh contrast to the smoky spices
Southwest Burger Toppings
- This homemade chipotle mayo recipe is my version of a spicy burger sauce.
- Topping this burger with guacamole or avocado slices adds a creamy and cooling element. Store-bought works great for a shortcut.
- My spicy pico de gallo is fresh, juicy, and adds the perfect pop of acidity and heat.
- The best cheese options for this burger are cheddar or pepper jack. Pepper jack adds extra heat, while cheddar keeps it classic.
- Other southwest burger toppings can include slices of tomatoes and grilled jalapenos and onions.
How to Make a Southwest Burger
This unique burger recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with a few simple steps. I prefer to grill these burgers for the added char and smokey flavor, but you can also cook them on a stovetop or griddle.
Start by making the chipotle burger sauce using a small food processor. Taste and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, crushed tortilla chips, diced green chiles, cilantro, garlic, and spices.
Gently mix the beef mixture with your hands until just combined.
Divide the mixture into 3-4 patties, depending on your preferred size.
Press a slight indent into the center of each patty to help the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
Preheat your grill or griddle to about 400°F. Cook burgers for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
During the last minute of cooking, add cheese and cover to melt. Remove burgers from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes.
To assemble the burgers, spread chipotle mayo on the bottom bun, add the burger patty, then top with guacamole and pico de gallo. Add more sauce to the top bun if desired.
Tips for the Juiciest Burgers
- Don't overmix. Overworking the meat can make your burgers dense instead of tender and juicy.
- Resist the urge to press down on the burgers while cooking. That squeezes out all those flavorful juices.
- Rest the burger for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute so it stays juicy instead of dripping out onto the plate.
- Toast your buns while the burgers cook so they don't get soggy from all those toppings.
Serving Suggestions
With their smoky spices, creamy toppings, and bold Tex-Mex flavor, these spicy burgers pair best with sides that add freshness, crunch, or a cooling contrast. Whether it's a laid-back weeknight or a sunny backyard gathering, these are the perfect additions to your plate:
- Mexican street corn pasta salad - Creamy, tangy, and packed with corn and lime flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky burger.
- Cilantro lime rice - Fluffy, citrusy, and a great option if you want something simple and filling.
- Cowboy baked beans - Sweet, smoky, and hearty enough to hold their own next to a loaded burger.
- Chips, salsa, and beef queso dip - Easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for snacking while the burgers cook.
- French fries or seasoned potato wedges - Go classic or add a sprinkle of chili powder for a Southwest twist.
Hosting Tip
If you're serving these for a group, set up a burger bar with extra guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and sauces so everyone can build their own. It's low effort for you and way more fun for your guests.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep toppings separate for best texture.
- Freeze: Wrap cooked or uncooked patties tightly and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add fresh toppings just before serving.
Made it? Loved it? I'd love for you to share a quick comment and star rating. Thanks, y'all! 🤠
Southwest Burgers with Chipotle Mayo
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Equipment
- small food processor for chipotle mayo
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup tortilla chips crushed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 4 ounce diced green chiles drained
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Chipotle Mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1 cup guacamole divided
- 1 cup pico de gallo divided
- 4 slices cheese cheddar or pepper jack
- 4 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- Make the chipotle mayo. In a small food processor, blend mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust for heat.
- Mix the burger patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, crushed tortilla chips, diced green chiles, cilantro, garlic, and spices. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Divide the mixture into 3 to 4 equal portions and shape into round patties.
- Preheat the grill. Preheat an outdoor grill or griddle to approximately 400°F. Place the patties on the grill and cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Add cheese and rest. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and cover the grill to melt. Remove burger patties from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the burgers. Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Add the burger patty, then top with guacamole and pico de gallo. Spread additional mayo on the top bun if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Leaner beef can dry out quickly, especially on the grill. For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for juicy burgers.
- Avoid overmixing the meat. Gently combine ingredients just until incorporated to keep the burgers tender, not dense.
- Toast the buns while the burgers cook.
- The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 160°F.
- Short on time? Use store-bought guacamole and pico de gallo. It keeps this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
Anonymous
This is so good. The key for me was figuring out just the right amount of each thing to add to the burger.