Smoky Chipotle Burger with Ground Beef

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Cooking Method: BBQ, Grilling

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Courses: Brunch, Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Calories: 520

Description

This easy chipotle beef burger recipe serves four, featuring spicy beef patties topped with pepper jack cheese, fresh veggies, and a creamy jalapeño sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chipotle Ground Beef Patties

1½ lbs of ground beef (preferably 80/20)
2 tablespoons of finely minced red onion
1 tablespoon of adobo sauce from the can
1 small chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
vegetable oil for grilling or pan-frying

For the Panade

1 slice of white or wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons of milk (whole or 2%)

For the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

1/2 cup of mayonnaise (full fat)
1½ tablespoons of pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of pickled jalapeño brine (from the jar)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
pinch of salt

For Assembly

4 large brioche buns, lightly toasted
4 slices of pepper Jack cheese
1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups of cup fresh arugula or mixed greens

How To Make Chipotle Burgers (Step-By-Step Instructions)

1
Prepare the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, chopped pickled jalapeños, jalapeño brine, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust, add more brine for extra tang, or a pinch of sugar if it's too sharp.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use to let the flavors blend.
2
Prepare the Panade
- In a small bowl, tear the slice of white bread into small pieces.
- Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for 2 to 3 minutes until the bread is fully softened.
- Using a fork, mash the bread and milk together until it forms a smooth, thick paste.
- Set aside.
3
Make the Ground Beef Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, minced red onion, minced chipotle chile peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro.
- Add the panade to the mixture now.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Avoid overmixing, mix just until combined to keep the patties tender.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Gently shape into patties, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
- Press a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing.
4
Grill the Beef Patties
- Lightly oil the grill grates or pan with vegetable oil.
- Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to a temperature of approximately 450°F (232°C).
- Place the patties on the hot surface and cook to your preferred doneness.
- For medium-rare, grill the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 130 to 135°F (54 to 57°C).
- For medium, grill the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 140 to 145°F (60 to 63°C).
- For medium-well, grill the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 150 to 155°F (65 to 68°C).
- For well-done, grill the patties for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or higher.
- Adjust time as needed based on patty thickness and grill temperature.
- In the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese and let it melt.
- Once cooked, transfer to a plate.
- Rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
5
Toast the Buns
- While the cheese is melting, toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden and slightly crisp.
- This adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy once the sauce is added.
6
Assemble Your Chipotle Burgers
- Spread a generous layer of creamy jalapeño sauce on both the top and bottom buns.
- Place the cheesy beef patty on the bottom bun.
- Add fresh tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and a handful of arugula or mixed greens.
- For extra flavor or heat, add a few slices of pickled jalapeños.
- Crown with the top bun.
7
Serve Immediately
- Serve your Chipotle beef burgers hot.
- Pair them with crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1 burger (approximately 200g)

Amount Per Serving
Calories 520kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 850mg36%
Potassium 300mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 8g
Protein 35g70%

Vitamin A 200 IU
Vitamin C 8 mg
Calcium 80 mg
Iron 2.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Don’t overmix the ground beef, as it can lead to a dense, rubbery texture instead of a tender, juicy burger.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your beef burger reaches your desired doneness.
Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and help your beef patties hold their shape for perfect chipotle burgers.
Be patient when flipping; let the patties cook for at least 4 minutes per side to avoid sticking or falling apart.

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