Tasty Taco Burgers
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Looking for a way to shake up your burger routine? These Tasty Taco Burgers are a flavorful mash-up of two dinner favorites—burgers and tacos—with bonus points for using up those crunchy leftover tortilla chip crumbs at the bottom of the bag. It’s the kind of weeknight win that’s equal parts clever and crave-worthy.
The magic starts in the patty itself: ground beef is mixed with salsa, crushed tortilla chips, garlic salt, and chili powder for a savory, southwest-inspired blend. The crushed chips don’t just bring flavor—they add texture inside the patty and extra crunch on top. I grilled mine outdoors for that smoky finish, but you can easily cook these on a stovetop skillet or pop them in the air fryer if that’s your go-to method.
Once the burger patties are cooked and the cheese is melty, it’s time to build. We like ours topped with shredded lettuce, salsa, mayonnaise, green onions, and a final sprinkle of crushed chips. Want to take it up a notch? Try swapping the mayo and salsa for a generous scoop of guacamole—it adds creamy richness plus that zesty kick if your guac includes tomato and spice. Either way, it’s a customizable burger moment that’ll keep taco night feeling fresh.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something different, these taco burgers are a fun twist on the classic—and yes, they’re totally Taco Tuesday approved.
Ingredients for Taco Burger Recipe
- GROUND BEEF
- SALSA
- TORTILLA CHIPS
- GARLIC SALT
- CHILI POWDER
- CHEDDAR OR AMERICAN CHEESE
- HAMBURGER BUNS
- GREEN ONION
- LETTUCE
- MAYONNAISE
Instructions for Taco Burgers
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with ¼ cup of salsa, ½ cup of crushed tortilla chips, garlic salt, and chili powder. Mix until well blended, then shape the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, pressing slightly to help them hold their shape.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. During the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of cheese and close the lid for a melted, gooey finish.
To assemble, place each patty on a toasted burger bun. Layer on shredded lettuce, a spoonful of the remaining salsa, green onions, extra crushed tortilla chips for crunch, and a dollop of mayo. Serve warm and enjoy your taco-inspired twist on a classic burger!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ground meat works best for taco burgers? A: Ground beef is classic, especially with a bit of fat for flavor (like 85/15 or 90/10). You can also use ground turkey or chicken—just be sure to season well with taco spices for that signature flavor.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and season the patties up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. This makes dinner prep faster and lets the flavors meld.
How spicy are taco burgers?
They’re typically mild to medium, depending on your salsa and seasoning. To dial up the heat, add jalapeños, chipotle mayo, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack. For a milder version, stick with classic cheddar and mild salsa.
What toppings go well with taco burgers?
Think taco night! Try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, guacamole, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch. You can also add pickled jalapeños or refried beans for extra Tex-Mex flair.
What kind of buns should I use?
Soft hamburger buns work great, but brioche, pretzel, or ciabatta rolls add a gourmet touch. Toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess and adds texture.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Taco Burgers
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 cup salsa divided
- 1 cup tortilla chips crushed (divided)
- 1 Tbsp garlic salt
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 8 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 8 hamburger buns
- ½ cup green onion
- lettuce
- mayo
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef with 1/4 cup of the salsa, 1/2 cup of the crushed tortilla chips, garlic salt, and chili powder. Shape into 8 patties.
- Grill patties until fully cooked. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and allow to sit on the grill until cheese is melted.
- Serve patties on buns and top with green onion, remaining salsa, remaining crushed tortilla chips, lettuce, and mayo.
Nutrition
Adapted from a recipe in a Smith’s mailer.
