Southwestern Burgers are packed with bold flavors like smoky spices, zesty jalapeños, and a hint of lime, all topped off with melted cheese and fresh, flavorful toppings. These burgers are perfect for grilling and bring a Tex-Mex flair to a classic dish. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
For the burgers:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices pepper jack or cheddar cheese
For the toppings:
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed with lime juice
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lettuce leaves
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
- Southwestern-style sauce (optional: chipotle mayo or spicy ranch)
For the buns:
- 4 burger buns, lightly toasted
Instructions:
- Prepare the burger patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey) with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, minced garlic, lime juice, chopped jalapeño (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, pressing a slight dimple in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Cook the burgers:
- Heat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and let it melt.
- Prepare the toppings:
- While the burgers are cooking, slice the avocado, red onion, and tomatoes. Set out fresh cilantro, lettuce, and any other toppings you’d like to use.
- Assemble the burgers:
- Place the cooked burger patties with melted cheese on the toasted buns. Top each burger with avocado, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños if desired. Add a dollop of Southwestern-style sauce like chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the Southwestern Burgers immediately with a side of fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy these smoky and zesty Southwestern Burgers, bursting with bold flavors and perfect for a Tex-Mex-inspired meal!
