If you are craving a burger that packs a punch of bold flavors and comforting cheesiness, this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to. Combining juicy ground beef infused with zesty enchilada sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chip crumbs all nestled inside a toasted bun, this recipe delivers an exciting twist on the classic burger. Each bite offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy elements, making it an irresistible meal to share with friends or family any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe lies in a short list of simple but essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to contribute layers of flavor and satisfying texture. From the seasoned ground beef and tangy enchilada sauce to the crunchy tortilla chip crumbs and vibrant fajita vegetables, every component plays a pivotal role in crafting these memorable burgers.
- Tortilla chip pieces: Pulsed into coarse crumbs, they add amazing crunch and help bind the burger together.
- Ground beef (90/10): Provides juicy, flavorful patties with just the right fat content for tenderness.
- Red enchilada sauce: Injects smoky, tangy depth into the beef and acts as a luscious topping.
- Finely shredded cheddar cheese: Melts throughout the patty for cheesy pockets in every bite.
- Taco seasoning: Brings warm spices and a hint of heat that define the Mexican-inspired profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors.
- Avocado oil: Used for cooking to maintain a light, clean flavor while crisping the patties and veggies.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Melted on top of patties for that classic gooey finish.
- Hamburger buns: Toasted to add texture contrast and hold all the tasty fillings.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note when sprinkled on top.
- Red bell pepper, jalapeños, and sweet onion: Sautéed fajita-style to provide sweetness, spice, and crunch.
- Water: Helps soften and caramelize the fajita veggies perfectly.
- Avocado: Mashed into a creamy guacamole that complements the bold flavors beautifully.
- Lime juice: Adds fresh acidity to the guacamole, elevating the overall flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Pulse the Tortilla Chips
The first step in making these incredible Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe is preparing the crunchy coating for the patties. Add your tortilla chip pieces to a food processor and pulse for about 20-30 seconds until you achieve coarse crumbs—this will create an irresistible texture inside the burger and keep things interesting with a satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Make the Patties
Combine the ground beef, a quarter cup of enchilada sauce, the tortilla chip crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, and half a teaspoon of salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so the flavors meld and the texture stays tender. Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties, about four inches wide and one inch thick, then refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature between 145 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your preferred doneness. During the last two minutes, place a cheddar cheese slice on each patty and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt perfectly. Once done, transfer the patties to a plate and tent them with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Fajita Veggies
While your patties are cooking, heat two tablespoons of avocado oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red bell peppers, jalapeños (if using), and sweet onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but still vibrant. Add water, salt, and pepper, then continue cooking for 4-5 more minutes to lightly caramelize the veggies, bringing out their natural sweetness and mellowing the spicy jalapeños.
Step 5: Make the Guacamole
In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper until mostly smooth with a few small chunks for texture. This fresh guacamole will add creamy tang and cool balance to the spicy, cheesy burgers. Cover it with plastic wrap until you’re ready to build your masterpiece.
Step 6: Build the Burgers
Spread a generous layer of guacamole on the bottom half of your toasted hamburger buns. Place the hot, cheesy beef patties on top, then pile on a scoop of the sautéed fajita veggies. Add a few extra tortilla chips for crunch and drizzle with the remaining enchilada sauce if you like extra sauciness. Crown the creation with the top bun, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately for ultimate flavor satisfaction.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the perfect herbaceous finishing touch that brightens the bold flavors found in this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe. For an extra pop of color and zing, consider adding sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. A few crispy tortilla chips on top not only add texture but also tie in the crunchy magic that’s hidden inside the patties.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic options like crispy seasoned fries or a fresh Mexican-style corn salad work wonderfully. For a lighter approach, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a black bean and corn salsa provides complementary flavors and keeps things balanced. No matter your choice, these sides will elevate the burger experience to a full-on fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these burgers open-faced with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh diced tomatoes on top. You can also turn them into sliders for game day or party gatherings by making smaller patties and using mini buns. Another creative idea is to layer the fillings inside grilled bell pepper halves for a low-carb enchilada burger bowl that’s just as tasty and visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe servings, store the cooked patties and fajita veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps textures intact and flavors fresh for up to three days, making reheating a breeze for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked and cooled burger patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. The patties freeze well for up to two months, perfect for meal prep or future cravings.
Reheating
Reheat leftover patties gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to retain juiciness without drying out. Reheat fajita veggies in a microwave or skillet, then assemble as usual with fresh buns and toppings for a delicious “just-made” experience.
FAQs
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortilla chips and buns to keep the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe gluten-free while preserving all the bold flavors and textures.
What’s the best way to check burger doneness?
Using a meat thermometer is the safest bet. Aim for 145°F for medium or 150°F for medium-well to ensure juicy, flavorful patties.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well with this recipe, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the jalapeños and taco seasoning but can be adjusted by omitting or adding more jalapeños based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Definitely! You can mix and shape the patties a day ahead and refrigerate them, making ready-to-cook burgers for quick weeknight meals.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe for a fantastic combination of cheesy comfort and vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether feeding family or impressing friends, these burgers bring warmth and excitement to the dinner table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your cherished weeknight staples!
Print
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Cheesy Beef Enchilada Burgers combine the bold flavors of Mexican enchilada sauce, crunchy tortilla chip crumbs, and melty cheddar cheese in a juicy beef patty. Topped with sizzling fajita-style bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, and creamy homemade guacamole, these burgers offer a delightful fusion twist perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- ¾ cup tortilla chip pieces (plus more chips for serving)
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- ½ cup red enchilada sauce (divided)
- ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1¼ teaspoons salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
Fajita Veggies
- 1 red bell pepper (seeded and thinly sliced)
- 2 jalapeño peppers (seeded and thinly sliced, optional)
- 1 small sweet onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons water
Guacamole
- 1 large avocado
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from ½ lime)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Extra tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
- Pulse tortilla chips: Place the tortilla chip pieces in a food processor and pulse for 20-30 seconds until they break down into coarse crumbs, approximately ⅓ cup.
- Make the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ¼ cup enchilada sauce, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape into four equal patties roughly 4 inches wide and 1 inch tall. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up.
- Cook the patties: Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties in a single layer for 5-6 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook an additional 5-6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium or 150°F for medium-well. During the last 2 minutes, place a cheddar cheese slice on each patty and cover the skillet to melt the cheese. Remove patties and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the veggies: While the patties cook, heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a separate cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, onion, and jalapeños (if using), cooking for 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add water, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Make the guacamole: In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper using a fork until mostly smooth with some chunks remaining. Cover and set aside to keep fresh until assembly.
- Build the burgers: Spread a generous layer of guacamole on the bottom bun, place a cheese-topped beef patty on top, add a scoop of the sautéed fajita veggies, sprinkle with extra tortilla chips for crunch if desired, and drizzle with remaining enchilada sauce. Top with the bun and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 90/10 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat content.
- The jalapeño peppers are optional; omit if you prefer a milder burger.
- Keeping the patties chilled before cooking helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
- For extra crunch, add more crushed tortilla chips when assembling the burger.
- Toasting the buns enhances flavor and prevents sogginess from sauces and guacamole.
- The internal temperature for medium-well burgers is 150°F; adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness.
