Grilled Southwest Burgers
Juicy grilled Southwest burgers feature spicy ground meat, melted cheese, and flavorful salsa, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners with a southwestern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground pork or turkey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unseasoned dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 6 thin slices Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 6 sandwich rolls, preferably cornmeal rolls ⓘ
- 1 cup bottled salsa or taco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare a medium-hot fire in a covered charcoal or gas grill.
- Beat the egg, then add the meat, bread crumbs, milk, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne in a mixing bowl.
- Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Form into 6 patties about 1/2-inch thick.
- Grill the patties, turning once, until well browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, about 15 to 17 minutes.
- Top each patty with 1 slice of cheese and place the rolls, cut side down, on the grill.
- Cook for about 30 seconds to melt the cheese and lightly toast the rolls.
- Garnish the burgers with salsa or taco sauce and shredded lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or diced green chilies to the mixture. If you want a healthier option, ground chicken can be substituted for the pork or turkey. Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, for added flavor. This recipe pairs well with Potato And Blue Cheese Salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Southwest burgers are delicious served with a side of corn on the cob or a fresh garden salad. You can also add toppings like avocado slices or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Baked Spinach Dip Loaf as an appetizer to start your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, reheat on a skillet over medium heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Southwest Burgers contains roughly 1355 calories, with 32g protein, 249g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), calcium (77% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2568mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
What can I use instead of sandwich rolls?
If you prefer a healthier option, consider using lettuce wraps instead of bread. Alternatively, whole grain or gluten-free buns can be a great substitute, depending on your dietary preferences. These alternatives will complement the flavors of the burger nicely.
Can I freeze the burger patties?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked burger patties by placing parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).