Sep 03 2026
Restaurants›Santa Fe Seafood & Grill›Mexican Burger Recipe

Mexican Burger Recipe

Inspired by Santa Fe Seafood & Grill
Time35m
Serves4

Sausage, Avocado, Tomato, Red Onion, Lettuce, Pepper Jack Cheese

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Toppings & Condiments

Buns & Finishing

Method

Burger Patties

  1. 1

    Mix and form patties

    In a large bowl combine ground pork and ground beef. Add salt, black pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently until just combined — avoid overworking. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns (they will shrink as they cook). Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

  2. 2

    Chill (optional)

    If time allows, place formed patties on a plate, cover, and chill in the refrigerator 15–30 minutes to help them hold shape during cooking.

Toppings & Condiments

  1. 3

    Prepare avocado spread

    Halve and pit the avocado. Scoop flesh into a small bowl and mash with a fork until slightly chunky. Stir in lime juice and a pinch of salt to taste. Set aside.

  2. 4

    Prepare tomato and onion

    Slice the tomato into 4 even slices. Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer milder onion, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes and drain.

  3. 5

    Mix quick mayo-salsa

    In a small bowl combine mayonnaise and salsa. Stir until smooth. This will be the burger spread.

  4. 6

    Prepare lettuce and cheese

    Wash and dry lettuce leaves, set aside. Remove pepper jack slices from packaging and have ready to melt on patties.

Cooking & Assembly

  1. 7

    Preheat pan or grill

    Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan if using skillet; if grilling, oil the grates or brush patties lightly with oil.

  2. 8

    Cook patties

    Place patties on the hot surface. Cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a crust. Flip and cook 3–4 minutes on the second side for medium, or longer to desired doneness. During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, place a pepper jack slice on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid briefly to melt the cheese.

  3. 9

    Toast buns

    While patties finish, spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. Place buns cut-side down on the grill or in a separate skillet over medium heat and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

  4. 10

    Assemble burgers

    Spread about 1 tablespoon of the mayo-salsa on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the spread, then the cheese-topped patty. Add a slice of tomato and a few rings of red onion. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mashed avocado mixture on top (or spread to taste). Cap with the top bun. Repeat for remaining burgers.

  5. 11

    Serve

    Serve immediately while hot, with extra salsa or lime wedges on the side if desired.

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