Last summer, I spent a wonderful afternoon with my best friend, Emma, who’s always been my go-to for trying out new recipes. We decided to host a backyard barbecue, inviting a few close friends and family. As the sun began to dip, casting a warm, golden glow over the garden, the idea of making something special yet different than the usual grill fare struck us. Emma suggested we try something new – Carne Asada Guacamole Burgers.

The flavors of grilled, marinated beef mixed with fresh guacamole instantly sparked my curiosity. It felt like a perfect way to blend two of my favorite things—tender carne asada and creamy guacamole—into something everyone could enjoy in burger form.

We mixed up the meat, adding a splash of lime and orange juice, some spices, and of course, a few jalapeños for a little heat. The aroma of the beef sizzling on the grill was nothing short of mouthwatering.

As we assembled the burgers, adding layers of gooey cheddar cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and that perfect, velvety guacamole, the joy of sharing this meal with friends and family felt so fulfilling. That evening was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of friendship, culture, and the joy of cooking.

Short Description

A fusion of rich, seasoned beef patties topped with fresh guacamole, zesty pico de gallo, and a melted cheddar cheese slice—this Carne Asada Guacamole Burger is a crowd-pleasing combination of juicy, flavorful layers.

Key Ingredients

For the Burgers

500g (1lb) lean ground beef
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
½ red onion, grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 large cloves garlic, minced
4 small slices pickled jalapeños (optional)
½ tsp red chili flakes (or chili powder)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 small bread rolls of your choice

For the Guacamole

2 ripe avocados
¼ red onion, finely chopped
½ lime, juiced
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (or lemon juice)
2 small slices pickled jalapeños
Salt to taste

For the Pico de Gallo

2 ripe tomatoes, diced
¼ red onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons shredded fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt to taste

Tools Needed

Large mixing bowl
Grater for onion
Knife and cutting board
Skillet or non-stick pan
Spatula
Fork for mashing guacamole

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, lime juice, orange juice, grated red onion, cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeños, chili flakes, cumin, paprika, and salt.

Mix thoroughly with your hands for about a minute, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 1-inch thick.

Step 2: Cook the Burgers
Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat and drizzle with a little oil. Once the pan is hot, add the patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty and let it melt.

Step 3: Prepare the Guacamole
While the burgers are cooking, cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.

Add lime juice, orange juice, finely chopped onion, jalapeños, and salt to taste. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Make the Pico de Gallo
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, remaining finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Add salt to taste and mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Toast your rolls lightly if desired. Start by placing a layer of lettuce on the bottom of each bun (optional).

Add the cooked beef patty with melted cheese, followed by a generous dollop of guacamole and a spoonful of pico de gallo. Top with the other half of the bun, and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful & Fresh: The contrast between the juicy burger, creamy guacamole, and vibrant pico de gallo creates a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Simple & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, these burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or swap in a different cheese, like pepper jack, for an extra kick.

Balanced Meal: Packed with healthy fats from the avocado and lean protein from the beef, this burger offers a well-rounded meal.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overmixing the Beef: When forming the patties, be careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in tough burgers. Just mix until combined.

Solution: Use your hands gently to combine ingredients, then form patties without overworking the meat.

2. Underseasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning, especially when making guacamole and pico de gallo. The freshness of these ingredients needs to be complemented with enough salt and acid.

Solution: Taste as you go, adding more lime juice, salt, or even a dash of hot sauce if desired.

3. Burning the Patties: If you cook the burgers on too high a heat, they might burn before they cook through.

Solution: Maintain a medium-high heat, and check the doneness with a meat thermometer (160°F for well-done).

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pair with Crispy Fries: The crunchy texture of fries pairs perfectly with the creamy guacamole and juicy burger.

Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the burger.

Drink Pairing: Pair this burger with a cold glass of iced tea, a citrusy margarita, or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: Wrap the burger patties and toppings separately in airtight containers. Store the patties in the fridge for up to 3 days and the guacamole for 1-2 days (add lime juice to help prevent browning).

Reheating: Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. For the guacamole, it’s best to enjoy it fresh, but if stored, stir it before serving to revive its creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these burgers in advance?
Yes, you can prep the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Make the guacamole and pico de gallo fresh for the best flavor.

2. How do I make these burgers spicier?
Add extra jalapeños to the meat mixture or guacamole. You can also swap in spicy cheese like pepper jack.

3. What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to try other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or even a spicy cheese blend for different flavors.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for leaner burgers. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as turkey can be milder in flavor.

5. What if I don’t like cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, try using fresh parsley or basil in both the burger and pico de gallo.

Tips & Tricks

Use Fresh Avocados: The key to great guacamole is ripe, soft avocados. If your avocados aren’t ripe, place them in a paper bag for a day or two.

Control the Heat: For less spice, omit the jalapeños in both the guacamole and pico de gallo. Alternatively, use milder peppers.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Version: Use a plant-based burger patty, like those made from black beans or lentils, and swap the cheese for a vegan cheese alternative.

Spicy Kick: For extra heat, add a splash of hot sauce to the burger mixture or top with fresh chili slices.

Gluten-Free Option: Serve the burgers in gluten-free buns or wrap them in large lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make these Carne Asada Guacamole Burgers, it takes me back to that warm summer evening with Emma. his recipe has a way of making even the simplest gatherings feel extraordinary, and I hope it brings as much joy and warmth to your home as it does to mine. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sharing a meal that’s crafted with love, tradition, and a touch of creativity. Enjoy!

Carne Asada Guacamole Burgers

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Nutrition facts: calories fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For the Burgers
500g (1lb) lean ground beef
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
½ red onion, grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 large cloves garlic, minced
4 small slices pickled jalapeños (optional)
½ tsp red chili flakes (or chili powder)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 small bread rolls of your choice
For the Guacamole
2 ripe avocados
¼ red onion, finely chopped
½ lime, juiced
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (or lemon juice)
2 small slices pickled jalapeños
Salt to taste
For the Pico de Gallo
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
¼ red onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons shredded fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
In a bowl, combine ground beef, lime juice, orange juice, grated red onion, cilantro, garlic, jalapeños, chili flakes, cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix well, then form into 4 patties.

Step 2: Cook the Burgers
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side. Add cheddar cheese in the last 2 minutes to melt.

Step 3: Prepare the Guacamole
Mash avocado with lime juice, orange juice, onion, jalapeños, and salt. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Make the Pico de Gallo
Mix diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Add salt to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Toast buns if desired. Layer lettuce (optional), cooked patty with cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, and top with the other bun. Serve.