Why You’ll Love this Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’ll absolutely love this Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburger recipe. Imagine this: a juicy beef patty infused with smoky bacon and zesty chipotle, topped with a rich queso sauce that brings everything together.
Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, with the crunch of corn chips and the freshness of tomatoes and cilantro adding the perfect contrast. I can’t get enough of the luscious texture and the way the ingredients complement each other.
Plus, the crispy bacon criss-crossed on top? It’s simply irresistible. This burger isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, and trust me, it’ll have your taste buds dancing. You won’t want to miss out on this culinary adventure!
Ingredients of Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburger
When you’re gearing up to make the Smoky Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburger, the first thing you’ll need to do is gather all those delicious ingredients. It’s like a treasure hunt for flavor, and trust me, you’ll want all these goodies on hand to create that mouthwatering masterpiece.
From the smoky bacon to the zesty chipotle, each ingredient plays a special role in making this burger truly unforgettable. So, let’s plunge into the magic of what you’ll need.
Ingredients:
- 12 slices good-quality smoky bacon (4 finely chopped, 8 whole)
- 1 1/4 lbs 80% lean ground beef
- 3-4 tablespoons grated onions
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pureed chipotle chiles in adobo
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained
- 4 soft burger rolls, split
- Crisp yellow corn chips (for crunch)
- Chopped onion (for topping)
- Chopped tomatoes (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for topping)
- Pickled jalapeños (for a kick)
Now, as you gather these ingredients, think about your personal preferences. Maybe you like your burgers extra spicy? Toss in more chipotle or some jalapeños.
Not a fan of tomatoes? Skip them! Cooking is all about making it your own, after all. And don’t get me started on the bacon! Who could resist that crispy goodness?
Just remember, quality matters when it comes to bacon—go for the good stuff. Your taste buds will thank you, and I promise, this burger will be a hit whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or just treating yourself on a cozy night in.
How to Make Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburger
While the bacon is doing its thing, let’s move on to the burgers. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 lbs of 80% lean ground beef with the 4 finely chopped bacon slices, 3-4 tablespoons of grated onions, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of pureed chipotle chiles in adobo, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy! This is where all that flavor comes from. Mix everything together, but don’t overdo it; we want tender patties, not meatballs. Form the mixture into 4 patties, making them a bit thinner in the center (they’ll cook more evenly this way). Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on both sides and get ready to grill.
Now, heat up your trusty cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, and once it’s nice and hot, place those patties on there. Grill them for about 5 minutes on each side for a medium cook.
While that’s happening, let’s whip up the queso sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour for about a minute. Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once it thickens up a bit, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melty and smooth. Add the well-drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, mixing it all together.
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for—assembling your burger! Place the juicy patties on the split burger rolls, spoon over that gooey queso sauce, and top with the crispy bacon strips you baked earlier.
For some added crunch, sprinkle on those yellow corn chips, and don’t forget the chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños. Finally, place the bun tops on, and there you have it—a Tex-Mex masterpiece ready to be devoured.
Oh, and if you have any of that extra queso sauce left, serve it on the side for dipping. Trust me, it’ll be a game-changer. Enjoy your burger adventure!
Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburger Substitutions & Variations
After mastering the art of assembling your Tex-Mex bacon cheeseburger, let’s explore some fun substitutions and variations that can elevate your burger experience.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap the beef for ground turkey or black beans for a satisfying veggie twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses—pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while queso fresco brings a creamy texture.
For the toppings, consider roasted poblano peppers or avocado slices for extra flavor. If you want some crunch, try adding fried onion strings or coleslaw.
Want a smokier taste? Use smoked paprika in your beef mixture. Each variation lets you customize your burger to your mood, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
What to Serve with Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburger
A delicious Tex-Mex bacon cheeseburger deserves accompaniments that complement its bold flavors.
I love serving crispy yellow corn chips on the side; they add the perfect crunch and are great for dipping in extra queso sauce. You can’t go wrong with a fresh salad, either—think a zesty lime vinaigrette drizzled over mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
For a revitalizing drink, a classic margarita or a chilled cerveza pairs beautifully. If you want to elevate the experience, consider some grilled corn on the cob topped with cotija cheese and chili powder.
These sides not only enhance the meal but also create a fun, festive atmosphere for any gathering. Enjoy your Tex-Mex feast!
Additional Tips & Notes
One great way to elevate your Tex-Mex bacon cheeseburger experience is by customizing the toppings to suit your taste.
I love adding a dollop of guacamole or a drizzle of spicy ranch for an extra kick. Don’t forget about the sliced jalapeños; they add fantastic heat!
If you’re a cheese lover, consider mixing different types, like pepper jack or queso fresco, to create a unique flavor.
Also, toasting your burger buns really makes a difference—just a minute on the grill can add that perfect crunch.
Finally, serve extra queso sauce on the side for dipping. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Enjoy experimenting with your favorite ingredients and make this burger your own!