Get your grill on and elevate your weeknight dinner game with these incredible Taco Burgers! Combining the beloved flavors of a savory taco with the satisfying experience of a classic burger, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for your next Taco Tuesday or any occasion you crave a bold, zesty meal.

Craving more delicious and unique burger creations? Expand your culinary horizons with these fantastic options: try our hearty Italian Burgers, indulge in the bold flavors of Blue Cheese Burgers, or savor a comforting classic with a twist – the Patty Melt. Each offers a distinct taste adventure that will redefine your burger expectations.

Sizzling Taco Burgers: A Fusion of Flavor for Every Grill Master

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when classic comfort food meets vibrant, exciting new flavors. For me, that magic often revolves around the irresistible allure of taco-inspired dishes. From zesty taco pizza to playful taco dogs, the aromatic blend of Tex-Mex spices simply never disappoints. But today, we’re taking that obsession to a whole new level, transforming a humble burger into an explosion of taco goodness.

And now, behold: The Taco Burger!

For a long time, making burgers felt like an intimidating culinary challenge. Achieving that perfect balance of juicy interior and flavorful crust seemed reserved for seasoned grill masters. However, with practice and a few key techniques, burgers have quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals, especially for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying and relatively quick. This particular Taco Burger recipe has earned a top spot on my current favorites list, not just for its ease but for its phenomenal flavor profile.

What sets these Taco Burgers apart from your average patty? It’s not just the generous dash of savory taco seasoning mixed into the ground beef. It’s the ingenious addition of crushed corn chips right into the patty mixture. This “secret ingredient” is a game-changer, infusing every bite with that unmistakable authentic taco crunch and corn flavor, while also helping to bind the burger and keep it incredibly moist. It’s the unexpected twist that truly marries the burger and taco worlds into one unforgettable experience.

If you’re yearning for a delightful culinary adventure that delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors in a familiar, comforting format, these Taco Burgers are your delicious answer. They promise to satisfy every craving and bring a festive flair to your dinner table!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Taco Burger

Crafting an exceptional Taco Burger begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, savory, and distinctly Tex-Mex flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of any great burger. For optimal flavor and juiciness, I highly recommend using an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat). While a 90/10 blend can work for a leaner option, the extra fat in an 80/20 mix renders beautifully during cooking, keeping your burgers moist and incredibly flavorful, preventing them from drying out on the grill or in the pan.
• Tortilla Chips: This is our star “secret ingredient” that truly elevates these burgers. Yes, it’s unconventional for a burger, but when crushed and mixed into the patty, tortilla chips impart a distinct corn flavor and subtle texture that mimics the authentic taste of a taco shell. Be sure to measure the chips after they’ve been crushed to get the right ratio.
• Taco Seasoning: The heart of the taco flavor. You can opt for your favorite store-bought blend for convenience, or for an even fresher, customizable taste, I love using my homemade taco seasoning. A good seasoning blend brings warmth, spice, and aromatic depth to the beef.
• Onion: For flavor without the distracting crunch of raw onion pieces, grated onion is the way to go. It disperses evenly throughout the patty, releasing its sweet and pungent notes as the burger cooks, adding a wonderful layer of savory complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A small but mighty ingredient, Worcestershire sauce adds an incredible umami depth to the burgers. Its fermented, savory notes enhance the beef’s natural flavor and blend seamlessly with the taco seasoning, creating a more robust and well-rounded taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning. Even with taco seasoning, which contains salt, it’s important to taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Proper seasoning truly elevates all the other flavors in the burger, bringing them into harmony. If using a store-bought taco seasoning, which can vary in sodium content, start with less added salt and adjust as needed.
• Cheese: What’s a burger without cheese? I prefer cheddar-jack for its creamy texture and mild, melty goodness that complements the Tex-Mex profile. However, feel free to use sharp cheddar, classic American, or even pepper jack if you’re looking for an extra kick of spice.
• Buns: Choose a soft, fresh hamburger bun that can comfortably hold all your delicious toppings without falling apart. A brioche bun adds a touch of sweetness, while a classic white bun provides a sturdy base. Always toast your buns for added texture and to prevent sogginess.
• Toppings: These are where you can truly personalize your Taco Burger. While I have my go-to favorites, the beauty of a taco burger is its versatility. We’ll explore a variety of delicious topping ideas below to inspire your ultimate creation.

How to Craft Your Own Delicious Taco Burgers

Creating these flavorful Taco Burgers is a straightforward process, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps for perfectly seasoned and cooked patties:

STEP 1: Combine All Burger Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your ground beef, crushed tortilla chips, taco seasoning, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a initial pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough burgers, so aim for uniformity without excessive handling. Using your hands is often the easiest and most effective way to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

STEP 2: Form the Patties
Divide the seasoned meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Carefully form each portion into an even patty, about ¾-inch thick. To help prevent the burgers from bulging in the center during cooking, create a slight indentation or “dimple” in the middle of each patty with your thumb. This ensures a more even cook and prevents them from resembling meatballs. Season both sides of the formed patties generously with additional salt and black pepper.

STEP 3: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Heat your chosen cooking surface to medium-high heat. These burgers are truly exceptional when cooked on a hot outdoor grill, imparting a wonderful smoky char. Alternatively, for indoor cooking, a sturdy cast iron skillet on the stovetop works beautifully, creating a fantastic crust. Ensure your grill grates or skillet are properly preheated and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

STEP 4: Cook the Burgers to Perfection
Place the seasoned patties on the preheated grill or pan. Cook them for approximately 5 minutes on the first side to develop a beautiful sear. Then, carefully flip each burger. Immediately after flipping, place a slice of your chosen cheese onto the top of each patty. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers reach your desired level of doneness. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicates a well-done burger, but adjust for medium-rare or medium according to your preference.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Juiciest Taco Burgers

Achieving a truly outstanding burger requires a few simple techniques. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your Taco Burgers are consistently delicious and perfectly cooked:

• Gentle Mixing is Key: When combining the burger ingredients, always use your hands. This allows you to thoroughly incorporate everything without over-mixing. Overworking the ground beef can compress the meat fibers, resulting in a dense and tough burger. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Handle with Care: Once the patties are formed, try to handle them as little as possible. The less you compress the meat, the more tender and juicy your final burger will be.
• The Single Flip Rule: For the best sear and crust development, resist the urge to constantly flip your burgers. Aim for just one flip. Let the first side cook undisturbed until a deep golden-brown crust forms, then flip it once and finish cooking. This creates a superior texture and locks in those precious juices.
• Never Squeeze: This is a cardinal rule of burger making! Do not press down on the patties with your spatula while they are cooking. Squeezing out the juices is the quickest way to end up with a dry, flavorless burger. Let the heat do its work naturally.
• Verify Doneness with a Thermometer: The most accurate way to determine when your burgers are cooked to perfection is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. For safe consumption and desired doneness:
  • Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
  • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
  • Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
  • Medium-Well: 140-150°F (60-66°C)
  • Well-Done: 160°F (71°C)
• Rest Your Burgers: After removing the burgers from the heat, let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Elevate Your Taco Burger Experience: Toppings and Sides

The beauty of Taco Burgers lies not only in the perfectly seasoned patty but also in the endless possibilities for customization through toppings and side dishes. You can truly unleash your creativity and build a burger that perfectly suits your taste:

Classic Topping Combinations:

• The Essentials: My personal go-to combination is cool sour cream, vibrant salsa, crisp shredded lettuce, and juicy diced tomatoes. This quartet provides a refreshing contrast to the savory burger.
• Creamy & Fresh: Add a generous dollop of homemade guacamole or fresh sliced avocado for a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Onion Power: Beyond the grated onion in the patty, consider thinly sliced red onion or quick-pickled red onions for a tangy bite.
• Herbaceous Touch: Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, adds a burst of freshness and authentic Mexican aroma.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, include sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
• Bean Dream: A spoonful of seasoned black beans or refried beans can add extra heartiness and a true taco feel.
• Crunch Factor: A few extra crushed tortilla chips on top of the burger add another layer of texture and intensify that “secret ingredient” flavor.

Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Taco Burgers:

To complete your Tex-Mex burger feast, pair it with some complementary side dishes that enhance the flavors:

• Zesty Rice: A light and fragrant side like Cilantro Lime Rice provides a wonderful balance to the richness of the burger.
• Hearty Beans: Simple yet satisfying, a bowl of warm Pinto Beans or black beans makes for an excellent traditional pairing.
• Fresh Salads: A refreshing Mexican Corn Salad with its vibrant flavors and textures is always a hit. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also works well.
• Crispy Fries: For a more indulgent meal, serve with seasoned sweet potato fries or classic crinkle-cut fries, perhaps with a side of queso dip!
• Grilled Vegetables: Think grilled bell peppers, onions, or zucchini seasoned with a little chili powder for a healthier, smoky accompaniment.

More Irresistible Taco-Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the bold and versatile flavors of these Taco Burgers, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious ways to incorporate Tex-Mex goodness into your meals. Explore these fantastic taco-inspired recipes:

• Taco Pie
• Taco Lettuce Wraps
• Taco Mac and Cheese
• Taco Salad

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Taco Burgers

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Get your grill on with these burgers that you can serve on Taco Tuesday! These Taco Burgers have all the flavors of a delicious taco, served up as a burger.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated onion
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheddar jack cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, sour cream and salsa for topping

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, tortilla chips, taco seasoning, onion, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Combine the mixture until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed. This is easiest to do with your hands. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each portion into a patty. Season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill over medium heat, or preheat a pan on the stove if cooking inside.
4. Place the patties on the grill (or on the pan) and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the patty over, add a slice of cheese to each, and continue to cook until you reach your desired doneness and the cheese is melted.
5. To serve, spread about 1 tablespoon of sour cream on each bottom bun. Add the cooked patty, then top with lettuce, tomato, and salsa. Add the top bun and serve.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

• Serving: 1 burger
• Calories: 696 kcal (35%)
• Carbohydrates: 50 g (17%)
• Protein: 42 g (84%)
• Fat: 34 g (52%)
• Saturated Fat: 13 g (81%)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 415 mg (138%)
• Sodium: 766 mg (33%)
• Potassium: 575 mg (16%)
• Fiber: 2 g (8%)
• Sugar: 5 g (6%)

Keywords: burger recipe, taco, Tex-Mex