Introduction
Looking to spice up your burger night? These Southwest burgers bring a flavorful twist to the classic dish, combining ground beef with zesty green chiles and an irresistible Southwest burger sauce. Perfect for summer grilling or a cozy indoor meal, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Burger Patties:
– 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
– 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Southwest Burger Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
For Assembly:
– 8 hamburger buns, toasted
– 8 slices Colby Jack cheese
– Lettuce leaves
– Sliced tomatoes
– Sliced red onions
– Sliced avocados
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
8 burgers
Directions
1. Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped green chiles (with their juice), ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a patty approximately 1/2 inch thick.
2. Cook the Patties: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Colby Jack cheese on each patty to melt.
3. Prepare the Southwest Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, fresh lime juice, and chipotle chili powder until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the Southwest burger sauce on the cut sides of the toasted hamburger buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a cooked patty with melted cheese. Top with slices of tomato, red onion, and avocado. Cover with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve: Serve the assembled Southwest burgers immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped green chiles (with their juice), ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a patty approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Cook the Patties:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Colby Jack cheese on each patty to melt.
Prepare the Southwest Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, fresh lime juice, and chipotle chili powder until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of the Southwest burger sauce on the cut sides of the toasted hamburger buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a cooked patty with melted cheese. Top with slices of tomato, red onion, and avocado. Cover with the top half of the bun.
Serve:
Serve the assembled Southwest burgers immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Meat Selection:
Using ground beef that is 80% lean and 20% fat provides the best flavor and juiciness for the burger patties.
Cooking Methods:
You can grill, pan-fry, or broil the patties based on your preference. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure patties are cooked through.
Customizing Toppings:
Feel free to customize the burger with any additional toppings such as jalapeños, pickles, or different cheeses according to your taste.
Storage:
Leftover burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation, but the assembled burgers are best eaten fresh.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
When combining the ground beef and seasonings for the burger patties, mix gently with your hands or a spatula until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure that the patties remain tender.
Shaping Patties
Divide the beef mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure to create an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Cooking Patties
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat before placing the patties. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Add cheese during the last minute to allow it to melt properly.
Preparing Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and a creamy texture.
Assembling Burgers
Spread the sauce on the toasted buns before adding the burgers. Layer the lettuce, cooked patty, and toppings in a way that ensures each bite is flavorful.
Serving
Serve the burgers immediately after assembly to enjoy them at their best. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of ground meat for the patties?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork, but adjust cooking times as necessary for different meats.
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked.
Can I make the burger patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Is there a vegetarian option for this burger?
You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or black bean patties to create a vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Southwest burgers?
Popular sides include fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh garden salad to complement the flavors of the burger.
Conclusion
The Southwest Burger offers a flavorful twist on the classic burger with its spicy and zesty ingredients. The combination of green chiles, chipotle chili powder, and fresh lime juice creates a deliciously unique taste that is sure to impress your family and friends. With the creamy Southwest sauce and fresh toppings, these burgers are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner.
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