Mexican Hamburgers

If your grill is fired up for the summer, these Mexican Hamburgers are just the kind of burger to add to your lineup. They’re big, bold, and loaded with flavor. Everything a backyard burger should be. 

Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or just pulling dinner together for a cookout this weekend, this recipe checks all the boxes. There is a Mexican Restaurant near me that makes fantastic Mexican Burgers (Tortas Hamburguesas). I will be the first to say that I would normally skip over a burger on a Mexican menu, but for some reason, I gave it a try. I was sold! Then, like always, I set out to make them at home.

In the past, I have made these Mexican Cheeseburgers using jarred salsa or fresh pico de gallo, but after getting my hands on some amazing Cowboy Caviar, I knew I had to try using it. And, friends, I was so right in doing so. 

Mexican Hamburgers

This Mexican burger recipe is packed with all the seasonings you’d expect from taco night. Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and a little paprika give the beef that warm, smoky flavor. I use lean ground beef, and instead of breadcrumbs, I mix in crushed corn tortilla chips to help hold everything together. Shredded Mexican cheese goes right into the mix, and some is reserved for topping the burgers while grilling. These are thick, hearty burgers, the kind that are best eaten with two hands and a few napkins!

If you love a big, bold burger, be sure to check out my Hangover Burger and my Bloody Mary Burger!

Paisley Farm sponsors this post, but my opinions and my love of their products are all my own.

Mexican Style Hamburgers

To serve, I pile the burgers onto toasted buns with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, a big dollop of guacamole, and a spoonful of Cowboy Caviar on top. You get savory, smoky, creamy, and tangy all in one bite. It’s a burger with a little bit of flair and a whole lot of flavor.

Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar

One of the secrets that takes these over the top is Paisley Farm’s Cowboy Caviar. It’s a brand-new jarred mix of beans, corn, peppers, and onion that’s ready to serve straight from the jar. It’s flavorful and colorful, with just the right amount of tang to brighten up anything hot off the grill. 

I fold some right into the burger mix, then spoon more on top of each finished burger when serving. It adds texture, a touch of sweetness, and a little zip that pulls the whole thing together. As a bonus, it makes the easiest side dish. Just pop open the jar and serve it alongside. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. We love it as an appetizer with tortilla chips, and it’s fantastic stirred into salads, soups, or as a sandwich or taco topping. 

Ingredients in this Mexican Hamburger Recipe

For complete ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.

• Lean ground beef – I used 90% lean. You can sub ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. 
• Crushed tortilla chips – I used corn tortilla chips, which keep them gluten-free. Flour would work too if that isn’t an issue for you.
• Eggs
• Seasonings – chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powders plus salt and pepper. 
• Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar – as mentioned, I have made these with salsa inside too. I loved the flavor, heartiness and extra protein that the cowboy caviar added. 
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend – divided between the inside of the patty and for melting on top. 
• Fresh Cilantro – brings so much yummy flavor to the burger patties! If you are anti-cilantro, you can leave it out, but chances are you might like it in this recipe!

For serving, buttered and toasted or grilled hamburger buns, lettuce, sliced tomato, more Cowboy Caviar, and either guacamole or sliced avocado. 

How to Make Mexican Cheeseburgers with Cowboy Caviar

These big, beefy, taco-flavored burgers are simple to prepare and ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, crushed tortilla chips, spices, cilantro, shredded cheese, and Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar until combined.

Don’t overmix.

Divide the mixture into 6 equally sized balls of meat. Press them down into thick patties that are the same size. 

Preheat grill to 400 degrees F. Grill burgers for a few minutes on one side then flip them to evenly grill the other side. 

Check the internal temperature.  Medium is 140-145 degrees F, Medium Well is 150-155 degrees F, and Well Done burgers will have an internal temperature of 160+.

* For safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to at least 160°F. This ensures the destruction of harmful bacteria. However, if you prefer your burgers cooked to a lower temperature, use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy and safety. 

For the last minute or two of grilling, top with remaining shredded Mexican cheese and close the lid to melt.

Butter the insides of your burger buns and toast them in the skillet or on the grill. Place a burger on the bun and serve with desired toppings.

Storing Leftover Mexican Hamburgers

Leftover burgers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If you’re storing toppings or extra Cowboy Caviar, keep those separate to preserve texture and freshness.

These burgers also freeze well. Wrap individual cooked patties tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Love it? Pin it!

If you love this Mexican Hamburger Recipe, make sure that you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

Tips & Tricks for the Best Mexican Burgers

• For juicy burgers that hold their shape on the grill, don’t overwork the meat. Mix just until everything is combined, then form your patties. If you want to make them in advance, keep them in the fridge until you are ready to grill.
• These burgers are big; each one comes in just over 1/3 pound, making six generous patties. If you prefer a smaller portion or are feeding a larger group, you can easily make 12 smaller burgers instead, or cut the recipe in half. Just adjust the grill time accordingly.
• When grilling, always cook your burgers to a safe internal temperature. For ground beef, that means 160°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the patty to check for doneness. Add cheese during the last minute of cooking and close the lid to get it nice and melty.
• Butter and toast the insides of the buns in a skillet or directly on the grill for flavor and texture. It makes a big difference in holding everything together once those toppings are piled on.

Substitutions

Remember that when it comes to making substitutions in recipes, you don’t need to be afraid to get creative and use ingredients that suit your personal taste and dietary preferences. Make it your own!

• If you don’t have crushed corn tortilla chips on hand, crushed tortilla strips or even seasoned corn chips like Fritos make great stand-ins. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey, though you’ll want to cook turkey burgers to 165°F and be mindful not to overcook them.
• Feel free to switch up the cheese blend. The convenience of pre-shredded Mexican cheese is nice, but sliced cheddar or pepper jack both work beautifully here, or grate your own cheese.
• I don’t recommend skipping the Cowboy Caviar. Its vibrant flavor and ready-to-serve convenience make it a standout. Whether you’re mixing it into the burger itself, piling it on top, or serving it on the side, it adds something truly special.

Paisley Farm Foods

Since 1945, Paisley Farm has been dedicated to bringing farm-fresh, flavorful vegetable and bean products to American tables. Founded by J.W. Paisley, the company focuses on creating convenient, high-quality foods using the freshest ingredients and most exciting flavor combinations. Their commitment to authenticity spans four generations, offering products that transform appetizers, side dishes, and dips with vibrant, delicious offerings that evoke the same “Mmm” response from today’s families as they did decades ago.

More Paisley Farm Products

Paisley Farm features many delicious “straight from the jar” products. I have shared countless recipes using their Five Bean Salad and both their Hot Brussels Sprouts and Dilled Brussels Sprouts. They also have Sweet Pickled Beets and another new addition; Balsamic Beet & Onion Salad. Whether you are looking for a quick side dish and just want to pop open a jar, or you are looking to add some serious flavor to one of your recipes, you need to check them out!

More Recipes to Love

If it’s a love for unique burgers that brought you here today, be sure and check out that epic Pastrami Burger with Kraut, pictured above. I have lots of burger recipes to choose from, and you can’t beat my Dunker Burger, Reuben Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, and Salmon Burger with BLT Slaw, so check them out before you head off.

Recently, I used Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar to make these Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos. So when you are picking up a jar, grab a couple of extras to give them a try. So tasty!

You can find Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar on their website and at Meijer and Publix stores.

Visit the Paisley Farm Foods website for recipes, products, and store locations.  Follow along with Paisley Farm on FaceBook, Instagram and Pinterest, for delicious recipes year-round.

These Mexican Cheeseburgers are exactly the kind of meal I love for summer: easy to pull together, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crew. They feel festive without being fussy, and the Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar adds something unexpected that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you’re grilling for Father’s Day, the Fourth of July, or just a sunny Saturday afternoon, this recipe will earn its spot on your summer menu again and again.