New Mexico Tortilla Burger Recipe

Hey food adventurers! Ready to level up your burger game with a delicious spin? Let’s dive into a flavor-packed New Mexico Tortilla Burger that combines juicy beef with zesty green chile mayo, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla—it’s a total taste fiesta in every bite!

I adore making dishes that burst with flavor, and my New Mexico Tortilla Burger is a marvelous spin on a classic. This burger is nothing but pure, unadulterated beef, ground and molded into patties that are exactly what a hamburger should be.

The tortillas soft and warm, unlike too many tortillas I’ve had. June’s testing kitchen has mastered this essential.

The green chile here could hardly be better; it’s hot without burning your mouth off. And the burger with the mayonnaise and cilantro is absolutely excellent.

New Mexico Tortilla Burger Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef (80/20 blend): Rich in protein, provides essential amino acids.
• Green Chile: Adds a spicy kick, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Flour Tortillas: Source of carbohydrates, provides energy.
• Cheddar or American Cheese: Offers protein and calcium, adds creaminess.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides healthy fats, aids in cooking.
• Cilantro: Adds freshness, contains vitamins and minerals.

New Mexico Tortilla Burger Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 4 slices of cheddar or American cheese
• 1 cup green chile, roasted, peeled, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Lettuce leaves (optional)
• Sliced tomato (optional)

How to Make this New Mexico Tortilla Burger Recipe

1. In a big bowl, put together the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir these ingredients until they are just mixed and there’s no more visible raw ground beef. Try not to overmix them. If you overmix, you might end up with a tougher meatball. That’s not ideal. Mixing until just combined should give you a tender but cohesive meatball.

2. Split the beef mixture into four equal parts, and form each part into a patty a little larger than the size of the tortillas.

3. Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and pour in the vegetable oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the patties. Do not crowd the pan; use two pans if necessary. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side. They should develop a good sear and hold together well.

4. Approximately one minute before the patties finish cooking, set a slice of cheese on top of each patty, and then cover the skillet or grill so that the cheese can melt.

5. Prepare the green chile mayonnaise by mixing the mayonnaise, lime juice, and half of the green chile in a small bowl. Do this while the patties are cooking.

6. To warm the clean tortillas, either place them in a clean skillet or on the grill. Heat for about 30 seconds on each side; they should be pliable but not browned.

7. Smear a spoonful of green chile mayonnaise on one side of every tortilla.

8. Position the cooked hamburger atop the mayonnaise layer. Follow with a spoonful of the remaining chopped green capsicum (cilantro can be substituted, if desired), onion slices, and chopped cilantro.

9. If you want, you can add slices of tomato and leaves of lettuce to each tortilla for an extra-fresh taste.

10. Tortillas should be folded over the patties like tacos or burritos and served right away. Then you can enjoy your New Mexico Tortilla Burgers!

New Mexico Tortilla Burger Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Mixing spoon or spatula
4. Skillet or grill
5. Tongs or spatula for flipping patties
6. Small bowl
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Plate (for assembling burgers)
10. Spoon (for spreading mayonnaise)
11. Aluminum foil or cover/lid for cheese melting

FAQ

• What type of tortilla is best for this recipe?For the burger, use large flour tortillas, which are sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients and can be easily wrapped around the burger.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?Absolutely, you can use pepper jack for an extra kick or Monterey jack for a milder flavor in place of cheddar or American cheese.
• How do I roast the green chiles?Whole green chiles can be roasted in three different ways: in an open flame, under a broiler, or they can be left unadulterated (aka whole) and roasted in a stovetop roaster. If you’re using a bag (like a one-gallon Ziploc) to steam the chiles, make sure to place the bag somewhere safe and semi-inaccessible—because the chiles will be steaming hot and sizzling with sweat when you reach for the bag. That all said, here are 10 steps to perfectly roast and peel chiles.
• What is the best way to cook the burger patties?Sear the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?Certainly, ground turkey can be a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it all the way through, as turkey requires thorough cooking.
• How can I make the mayonnaise spread more flavorful?Combine the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro for a zesty, fresh topping that pairs perfectly with the green chiles.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?Certainly, you can swap the ground beef for something else. Here are some options:

  – A plant-based ground meat alternative
  – Grilled portobello mushrooms (these are so meaty, they almost don’t count as a meat alternative)

New Mexico Tortilla Burger Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Lean meats: Use lean turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option. Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for ground beef.
Cheddar or American cheese: Substitute pepper jack for an extra kick, or go with a good molcajete for that creamy cheese sauce base.
Green chile: If green chiles cannot be found, use poblano or jalapeño peppers.
Vegetable oil: Substitute with olive oil or avocado oil for a new flavor profile.
When it comes to making mayonnaise, a healthier alternative is to use Greek yogurt.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Beef For juicier and more flavorful burgers, using an 80/20 beef blend is ideal. This ratio balances flavor and moisture, ensuring your patties don’t dry out during cooking.

2. Perfect Sear To achieve a great sear, make sure your skillet or grill is preheated before adding the patties. This helps create a nice crust on the burgers, sealing in the juices.

3. Cheese Melting Tip Covering the skillet or grill with a lid once the cheese is on the patties helps trap steam, facilitating the melting process. You could also add a splash of water before covering to create steam, which enhances melting.

4. Chop the Green Chile Finely Ensure the roasted green chile is finely chopped for even distribution in the mayonnaise and on top of the burger. This ensures each bite gets a bit of the chile’s flavor.

5. Customizable Toppings Feel free to experiment with additional toppings. For a bit of spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, a few slices of crispy bacon could complement the burger well.