Taco Burger Recipe

There’s something magical about transforming a simple weeknight into a fiesta, and these taco-inspired burgers are my culinary happy place. Let’s dive in and bring on the flavor! 🌮🔥

The Taco Burger recipe represents the delicious blend of flavors that I love. I take juicy ground beef and mix in taco seasoning.

I then form that into an average-looking burger patty. Well, not average-larger, actually!

And as far as burger patties go, this one is loaded with flavor. I stuff it with melted cheddar cheese (my personal favorite), fresh lettuce, and sliced tomatoes that are just this side of too ripe (you know the part I mean).

Taco Burger Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and iron, providing a hearty base.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds a spicy, flavorful kick with a mix of herbs.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers creamy texture and adds calcium and protein.
• Lettuce: Fresh crunch, low-calorie, and fiber-rich for added texture.
• Tomato: Provides juiciness, vitamin C, and a touch of acidity.
• Avocado: Healthy fats and creamy texture, optional but delicious.

Taco Burger Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 4 slices of avocado (optional)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

How to Make this Taco Burger Recipe

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the taco seasoning mix and blend thoroughly.

2. Split the ground beef, which has been seasoned, into four equal parts, and mold them into burger patties.

3. Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high.

4. Prepare the burger patties by cooking them for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are done to your liking. You can also choose to grill them. To achieve a fully cooked burger, use the following times as a guideline: • Rare: 4 minutes total (2 minutes per side) • Medium rare: 5 minutes total (
2.5 minutes per side) • Medium: 6-7 minutes total (3-4 minutes per side) • Well done: 8 minutes total (4 minutes per side) Note: There is no need to press down on the patties with a spatula while they are cooking.

5. In the last minute of cooking, put a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on each patty and cover with a lid until the cheese is melted.

6. Brown the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden.

7. Put a burger patty on the bottom half of each bun.

8. Layer shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, diced onion, and a slice of avocado (if using) on top of each patty.

9. Place a spoonful of salsa atop the toppings.

10. If using, spread sour cream on the top half of the buns. Place the tops on the assembled burgers. Serve immediately.

Taco Burger Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Skillet or grill
4. Spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Lid for skillet or grill (for melting cheese)
8. Toaster (optional, for buns)
9. Spoon (for salsa and sour cream)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• How can I make the taco burgers spicier?Include chopped jalapeños or a small amount of cayenne pepper in the ground beef mix for an extra kick.
• What can I use if I don’t have hamburger buns?Lettuce wraps or tortilla wraps serve as low-carb substitutes for hamburger buns.
• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?Replace the cheese and sour cream with dairy-free substitutes to make the recipe free from all dairy.
• Can I prepare the patties in advance?It is possible to make the beef patties in advance and keep them in the fridge, for no longer than a day, before you cook them.
• How should I store leftover taco burgers?Taco burger patties that are leftover should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerated for no more than 3 days. They should be reheated before serving.
• What can I serve as a side dish with taco burgers?Taco burgers can be paired with side dishes such as fries, coleslaw, or a straightforward green salad.

Taco Burger Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter dish.
A homemade seasoning can replace taco seasoning mix: cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.
For a lower-carb option, you can exchange the usual hamburger bun for a lettuce wrap, or a whole-grain bun. Both these alternatives are healthier than the traditional hamburger bun.
Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be substituted for Cheddar cheese when a spicier kick is desired.
Pico de gallo can be used as a fresher, chunkier alternative to salsa.

Pro Tips

1. Seasoning Depth Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder and a squeeze of lime juice to your ground beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor that complements the taco seasoning.

2. Temperature Precision Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to the perfect doneness you prefer. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

3. Toppings Variation Enhance your toppings by substituting or adding pickled jalapeños or sliced bell peppers for added crunch and a zesty kick.

4. Burger Juiciness Allow the cooked patties to rest off the heat for about 3-5 minutes before placing them on the buns. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the burger moist.

5. Guacamole Twist Instead of using avocado slices, mash the avocado with a sprinkle of salt and a bit of lime juice to make a quick guacamole spread. This adds creaminess and tang to each bite.