Ultimate Tex Mex Burger: Grilled or Skillet Perfection with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
Get ready to elevate your burger game with this incredible Tex Mex Burger recipe! Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue or prefer the convenience of your kitchen skillet, this burger promises a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors. Imagine juicy beef patties crowned with thinly sliced jalapeños, a generous dollop of creamy, homemade guacamole, and a spoonful of zesty pico de gallo. It’s a fiesta for your taste buds, delivering that irresistible Tex Mex twist that makes every bite memorable. Perfect for grilling season, but equally delicious all year round, this burger will quickly become a family favorite.
There’s an undeniable magic when the robust flavors of a perfectly cooked burger meet the vibrant, fresh tastes of Tex Mex cuisine. This recipe is a celebration of that fusion, taking inspiration from two of my absolute favorite Tex Mex staples: creamy guacamole and bright pico de gallo. I confess, I eat these two weekly, and for good reason—they bring an incredible freshness and depth to any dish. Paired with a kick from sliced jalapeños, these toppings transform a simple beef burger into an extraordinary meal.
This burger is proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly spectacular. If you enjoyed my Easy Avocado Burger, featuring a rich, creamy guacamole, or the savory Greek Burger Recipe with its refreshing tzatziki sauce, then this Tex Mex creation will surely delight. And for those who appreciate a classic with a twist, my Easy Blue Cheese Burger showed how wonderfully beef and bold cheese can mingle. Each recipe aims to offer a unique burger experience, and the Tex Mex Burger stands out with its bold, refreshing profile.
The beauty of Tex Mex cuisine lies in its ability to blend fresh ingredients with a hearty, satisfying base. Our Tex Mex Burger captures this essence, offering a harmony of flavors and textures. The warm, savory burger patty provides the perfect foundation for the cool, smooth guacamole, the chunky, zesty pico de gallo, and the spicy bite of jalapeños. It’s a culinary journey that takes you straight to a vibrant outdoor fiesta, right from your kitchen or backyard.
Essential Ingredients for Your Tex Mex Masterpiece
Crafting the perfect Tex Mex Burger begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this flavor-packed dish to life:
- Burgers: The star of the show! You can opt for the convenience of high-quality pre-made beef burgers (like BUBBA burgers, which cook perfectly from frozen) or make your own from fresh ground beef. If making your own, choose ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the juiciest results. Season simply with salt and pepper, or add a dash of chili powder and cumin for an extra Tex Mex kick.
- Jalapeños: These add a fantastic layer of heat and a crisp texture. Sliced fresh jalapeños are ideal for that spicy crunch. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes, or use pickled jalapeños for a tangy element.
- Buns: A good bun is crucial for holding all those delicious toppings. Classic sesame seed buns, brioche buns for a touch of sweetness, or even whole wheat buns work well. For a lighter, low-carb option, consider using large pieces of romaine or iceberg lettuce to create a vibrant lettuce wrap burger.
- Guacamole: The creamy hero! While store-bought guacamole offers a quick solution, a homemade version truly elevates this burger. Freshly mashed avocados combined with lime juice, a hint of diced red onion, chopped Roma tomatoes, salt, and optional fresh cilantro create a rich, savory, and perfectly balanced topping.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh, chunky salsa is the bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich burger and creamy guacamole. Made with diced sweet or red onion, ripe large tomatoes, fresh lime juice, a small diced jalapeño, and a generous amount of chopped fresh cilantro, pico de gallo adds a refreshing tang and texture that completes the Tex Mex experience.
Crafting Your Tex Mex Burger: Step-by-Step Guide
Making these burgers is straightforward and quick, especially if you have your toppings prepped. Here’s how to assemble your delicious Tex Mex feast:
- Step 1: Cook the Burgers to Perfection.
- For the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place your burgers directly on the grates. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness and an internal temperature of 160°F for beef. Look for juices rising to the surface as a sign to flip.
- For the Skillet: If grilling isn’t an option, a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) on the stove top yields excellent results. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil if needed. Cook burgers for 5-6 minutes per side, again aiming for 160°F internal temperature. A good sear creates a fantastic crust.
- Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Guacamole. In a medium-sized bowl, combine your mashed avocados, fresh lime juice, salt to taste, chopped Roma tomatoes, and optional fresh cilantro. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated and the guacamole is smooth and creamy. A dash of red onion can also be added for extra flavor.
- Step 3: Mix the Fresh Pico de Gallo. In another bowl, combine the diced sweet or red onion, chopped large tomatoes, the juice of one lime, diced small jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat), and chopped fresh cilantro. Stir everything together, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and a little more lime juice if needed.
- Step 4: Assemble Your Tex Mex Burger. Once your burgers are cooked and your toppings are ready, it’s time to build! Place the bottom half of a bun on your plate. Top with the juicy burger patty. Layer on a generous amount of sliced jalapeños, followed by a creamy dollop of guacamole, and finish with a spoonful of vibrant pico de gallo. Place the top bun, and your masterpiece is ready to enjoy!
Creative Modifications & Topping Ideas for Your Tex Mex Burger
One of the best things about burgers is their versatility! This Tex Mex Burger is fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings to suit your taste:
- Cheese, Please! Cheese is always a welcome addition, and for a Tex Mex theme, it truly shines. Try melting a slice of pepper jack cheese directly on your burger patty during the last minute of cooking for a spicy, gooey layer. Sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled cotija cheese (a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese) would also be incredibly delicious.
- Extra Vegetables: Beyond the pico de gallo, consider adding more fresh or grilled vegetables. Slices of fresh radish can add a peppery crunch. For a smoky flavor, grill up some bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), poblanos, or sweet baby peppers alongside your burgers. Lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce) and extra tomato slices are also classic additions that add freshness.
- Amplify the Greens: If you’re a fan of fresh greens, a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, peppery arugula, or a vibrant mixed greens blend can add a lovely texture and a slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the richness of the burger.
- Salsa Variations: While pico de gallo is perfect, exploring other salsas can introduce exciting new flavor profiles. Consider adding a spoonful of my Homemade Salsa for a more traditional kick, or for a touch of sweetness and heat, try the Mango and Black Bean Salsa. If you love a tangy, earthy flavor, my Avocado Tomatillo Salsa or the vibrant Easy Homemade Salsa Verde would be excellent choices.
- Add Beans or Corn: A spoonful of black beans (rinsed and drained) or grilled corn kernels can add extra texture, fiber, and authentic Tex Mex flavor to your burger.
- Spice It Up (or Down): If you crave more heat, finely mince a habanero or serrano pepper into your pico de gallo. For a milder approach, use fewer jalapeños or substitute with bell peppers.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Tex Mex Burger
A delicious burger deserves equally delicious sides! Here are some fantastic options that complement the Tex Mex flavors of this burger beautifully:
- Potato Perfection: You can almost always find a potato side next to my burgers! For a hearty and flavorful accompaniment, try these Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. If you prefer something creamy and rich, Gouda Smashed Potatoes are a fantastic choice. For a unique and spicy twist, consider these Spicy Lebanese Potatoes. Classic crispy sweet potato fries or a simple bowl of tortilla chips with extra salsa would also be great.
- Fresh & Roasted Vegetables: Balancing your meal with a healthy vegetable side is always a good idea. The vibrant Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables offer a medley of flavors and textures. For a simple yet satisfying option, my Simple Garlic Parmesan Green Beans are always a hit. And for something unique and subtly spiced, try the Turmeric Cauliflower. Grilled corn on the cob or a simple side of black beans and rice would also fit the theme.
- Refreshing Salads: I adore salads, so I often serve at least two alongside my burgers to add freshness and variety. For a light and bright pasta salad, the Summer Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect. The Mediterranean Bean Salad offers a protein-packed and zesty option. To fully embrace the Tex Mex vibe, don’t miss the Mexican Street Corn Salad, which is incredibly flavorful. And for a peppery green salad, the Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts provides a lovely contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making your Tex Mex Burger:
- Can I prepare the guacamole and pico de gallo ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Pico de gallo can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. Guacamole is best made fresh to prevent browning, but you can prepare the other ingredients (dicing onions, tomatoes, cilantro) and mash the avocados just before serving. To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole. - What kind of ground beef is best for burgers?
An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is generally recommended for juicy, flavorful burgers. The fat content helps keep the burgers moist during cooking. You can also use leaner ground beef (like 90/10) if you prefer, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly. - Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken burgers would also be delicious with these Tex Mex toppings. Just be sure to season them well, as poultry can be milder in flavor, and cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F. - How can I make my homemade guacamole extra creamy?
For extra creamy guacamole, ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe. You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt when mashing for an even smoother texture and a slight tang. - What if I don’t like spicy food?
If you’re sensitive to spice, simply omit the fresh jalapeño slices as a topping. For the pico de gallo, you can either leave out the diced jalapeño entirely or use a very small amount and remove all seeds and membranes to reduce the heat significantly.
Explore More Delicious Burger Recipes
Turkey
Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burgers
Simple Dinner Recipes
Mediterranean Burger with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Beef
Easy Mediterranean Hamburgers
Pork
Pork Burgers
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Ingredients
- 4 pre-made burgers or you can make them yourself with ground beef
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 4 buns
For the guacamole
- 3 Avocados, peeled, pitted, mashed
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 2 small roma tomatoes, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped {optional}
For the pico de gallo
- 1 cup sweet onion or red onion, diced
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 small jalapeño, diced
- 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped {about 1/2 of a bunch}
Instructions
-
FOR THE GRILL:
Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook your Original BUBBA burgers on the grill straight from the freezer (no thawing required). Grill for 5-6 minutes on each side. When the juices begin to rise to the top of the burger it is time to flip them. Burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. -
FOR THE SKILLET:
Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Cook your Original BUBBA burgers on the skillet straight from the freezer (no thawing required). Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. When the juices begin to rise to the top of the burger it is time to flip them. Burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
-
FOR THE GUACAMOLE:
Mix the avocado, lime juice, salt, tomatoes and cilantro {optional} in a medium mixing bowl until a creamy guacamole is created.
FOR THE PICO DE GALLO:
-
Combine the ingredients for the pico de gallo and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
-
TO ASSEMBLE YOUR BURGERS:
Place the bottom of the bun on a plate.
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Top with jalapenos, a couple spoonfuls of guacamole, pico de gallo and the top of the bun. Enjoy!
Notes
- Optional: Pepper jack or sharp cheddar cheese works great on these.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.