The Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger

Try this The Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger recipe, or contribute your own.

The Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger
The Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger

Step-by-step

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Chop tomatoes, onion, cilantro and jalapeno slices if haven't already.
  • Cook rice according to package directions or use a precooked version.
  • Rinse beans and place into a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients except the cornmeal.
  • Using your hands, mix well by squishing everything together.
  • Add cornmeal and combine again with your hands.
  • Taste and add salt if needed. Combine more.
  • Set mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour, the longer the better. This will allow the cornmeal to suck up the liquid and will make the mixture sturdier so you can grill if preferred.
  • Meanwhile, make toppings of choice if not prepped already.
  • Once mixture is ready, shape into 4 inch patties.
  • Bake at 375 on a parchment lined cookie sheet for 15-20 minutes on each side, or until just browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool and set in for about 5-7 minutes.
  • You can also cook on stove top over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side (depending on stove). Make sure to keep pan covered to help the burger cook throughout and achieve the best texture possible. This helps prevent a mushy burger. Check every few minutes to prevent burning, should be slightly browned when ready.
  • These are also grillable. If you grill these on the BBQ make sure to grill cold, right from the fridge. Grill on low heat until browned on each side. Carefully flip, if they don't flip easily allow to cook longer.
  • Top with lettuce, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, jalapeno slices and chips and smother with cheese sauce.
  • Stuff into your mouth, the messier you get the better.

The Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger: A Culinary Adventure

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework help, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. But even amidst the chaos, I crave flavorful, fun meals that the whole family will enjoy. That's why I've become a master of quick, yet impressive recipes, and this Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger is a prime example. It’s a fun twist on a classic, perfectly balancing the satisfying heartiness of a burger with the vibrant, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.

The secret to this burger's success lies in its perfectly balanced patty. The combination of black beans, pinto beans, brown rice, and cornmeal creates a surprisingly hearty and flavorful base. It's a vegetarian delight, packed with protein and fiber, leaving you feeling satisfied without the heaviness of a traditional beef burger. I love using cooked brown rice; it adds a lovely texture and helps bind the patty beautifully. And don’t worry about the cornmeal; it adds a delightful crispness to the patty’s exterior after baking or grilling. The prep time is minimal; everything comes together in minutes. Just chop the veggies, mix the ingredients, and let it rest for a bit in the fridge while you get the toppings ready. That's a perfect opportunity to catch up on emails or fold a load of laundry!

The toppings are where you can really let your creativity shine. I'm a big fan of fresh, vibrant flavors, so I usually load mine up with crisp lettuce, creamy guacamole (homemade, of course!), zesty salsa, and a dollop of vegan sour cream for a cool and tangy contrast. The crunch of tortilla chips adds another layer of textural delight. And of course, no Mexican-inspired burger is complete without a generous helping of cheese sauce! Feel free to experiment; add your favorite toppings and make it your own. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. The possibilities are endless; think pickled onions, roasted red peppers, or even a spicy chipotle mayo for an extra kick.

Beyond the incredible taste and ease of preparation, this burger offers a surprising amount of versatility. You can bake it, grill it, or even pan-fry it—whatever suits your kitchen setup and preferences. I often grill these burgers when the weather is nice; the smoky char adds a delicious dimension to the already flavorful patty. For a truly customizable experience, consider offering various toppings and letting everyone build their own unique burger masterpiece. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal together, especially with the kids.

This isn't just a burger; it's an experience. It’s a taste of fun, a celebration of flavor, and a testament to the fact that even the busiest among us can create delicious, satisfying meals. So ditch the takeout menu, grab your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure with the Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger. You won't regret it. It's a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation—a testament to its deliciousness and practicality. The satisfying crunch, the vibrant flavors, the ease of preparation—it ticks all the boxes for a truly winning weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

  • toppings:
  • lettuce
  • Himalayan pink salt to taste (I used 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (about 1 three-inch tomato)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (about 1/2 a three-inch onion)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup chopped mild nacho jalapeno slices
  • 3 tablespoons cornmeal
  • Gluten-free or sprouted wheat burger buns
  • Ultimate cheese sauce
  • Guacamole
  • Easy fresh Mexican salsa
  • Vegan sour cream
  • Jalapeno nacho slices
  • Tortilla chips