Santa Fe Burgers
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Santa Fe Burgers are inspired by the bold flavors of the southwest, featuring a mouthwatering blend of seasoned beef, topped with roasted green chiles, creamy pepper jack cheese, rich guacamole, and drizzled with a spicy Santa Fe sauce!
Looking for more delicious burgers? Check out these recipes too! Mexican Burger with Queso Blanco, Tex-Mex Burgers, Cowboy Burgers, and Irish Pub Burgers with Whisky Aioli.
This green chile cheeseburger is based on the Red Robin’s now discontinued Santa Fe Burger. They came out with a new version, but it just wasn’t the same so I set out to recreate my own version at home.
What you’ll need
Santa Fe Sauce/Chipotle Aioli
- Mayonnaise – homemade or Hellman’s/Best Foods
- Chipotle peppers in adobo saue
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for a thick sauce – coconut cream for a thinner sauce (or lactose-free)
- Fresh garlic and fresh cilantro leaves add tang and freshness to the sauce.
Burgers
- Ground beef – 80/20 is my preferred fat content for moist, juicy burgers. You can use leaner meat, but I wouldn’t go lower than 90/10 or you may end up with dry burgers.
- Adobo sauce – this comes from the canned chipotle peppers used to make the sauce.
- Garlic powder and ground cumin add extra flavor to the ground beef.
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Pepper-jack cheese
- Canned whole chiles – these can be found in the International section of your local grocery store. You can also roast your own if you prefer, the directions are in the FAQ section and recipe card.
- Guacamole – homemade is best but there are some great store-bought versions that will be equally delicious.
- Lettuce – tomato slices – red onion slices to garnish your burgers.
- Hamburger buns – homemade will always be freshest, but brioche or onion buns from the bakery are delicious as well.
Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.
What are chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers that have been rehydrated and then canned in a tangy and flavorful adobo sauce.
The adobo sauce is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet mixture made with ingredients such as tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, onions, and various spices that adds depth and complexity to dishes
Now let me tell you about the heat with this burger. It is not a hot, spicy, turn your face red kind of heat. It is more of a lingering tingle in the back of your mouth, that lasts until you eat something that makes it go away.
I do not like spicy foods, that is why I do not use Pepper Jack cheese and I love this burger!
The one on the left is the original that I made for my now ex, with the roasted chiles and pepper-jack cheese. The one in the middle is mine with the cheddar cheese and no veggies. I do not like my hot and cold foods together, yes I am strange that way. The one on the right is Alex’s burger with veggie cheese because he is allergic to dairy.
How to make Santa Fe Burgers:
For the Adobo Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, coconut milk, diced adobo peppers, garlic, and cilantro. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
For the Burgers:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef with adobo sauce, salt, pepper, garlic, and cumin.
I use my hands to mix everything together, since you now have to form 4 patties anyway. Making a small indentation in the center helps to keep them a bit flatter.
Place in a large skillet and cook over medium heat. To reduce splattering and to make burgers juicer, cover pan with a lid.
Add cheese after you flip the burgers over. Cover and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Cheese slices melt more evenly – image for illustrative purposes.
To Assemble:
Slice the buns in half, and toast on the grill.
Spread guacamole on the bottom bun. Place burger on top of guacamole. If you did not add cheese while your burger was cooking, add it now.
Add roasted chile slices, if using, lettuce, tomato and onion slices.
Spread a thick layer of sauce over the top bun. Place on top of burger and serve.
Santa Fe Burgers are a taste adventure that’s as unique as it is delicious!
FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey burgers make a delicious, leaner option.
How do I roast green chilies for the burger?
If not using canned chiles, place poblano chiles on a grill or under the broiler until the skin is charred. Place them in a sealed container to steam, then peel off the skin, remove seeds, and slice.
What’s a good substitute for pepper jack cheese?
Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese can be used as alternatives to pepper jack if you prefer a milder flavor. Sharp cheddar that is aged more than 90 days is also a great lactose-free option if needed.
What are some other toppings for Santa Fe Burgers?
Avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or pico de gallo can add extra flavor and freshness to your burgers.
Do I have to toast the buns?
Toasting the buns will enhance the overall texture and flavor of the burger, but it is not mandatory.
Serving suggestions
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Homemade French Fries
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa
- Tossed Green Salad – substitute lime for the lemon in the vinaigrette.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Tag @cookingwithcurls on Instagram & Facebook and leave a ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below!
Enjoy!!
Santa Fe Burgers
Ingredients
Santa Fe Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
- .25 cup full fat coconut milk can substitute sour cream, or Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic pressed or finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
Burgers
- 1.5 pounds 80/20 ground beef or 85/15 will have the most flavor
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the canned chipotle peppers
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- .75 teaspoons sea salt
- .25 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese or cheese of your choice
- 4 canned whole roasted chiles sliced in half, spread out on burger
- 0.5 cup guacamole
- lettuce, tomato, onion slices
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
For the Adobo Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, coconut milk, diced adobo peppers, garlic, and cilantro. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
For the Burgers:
- IIn a large bowl, combine ground beef with adobo sauce, salt, pepper, garlic, and cumin.
- I use my hands to mix everything together, since you now have to form 4 patties anyway. Making a small indentation in the center helps to keep them a bit flatter.
- Place in a large skillet and cook over medium heat. To reduce splattering and to make burgers juicer, cover pan with a lid.
- Add cheese after you flip the burgers over. Cover and cook until no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Slice your buns in half, and toast on the grill.
- Spread guacamole on the bottom bun. Place burger on top of guacamole. If you did not add cheese while your burger was cooking, add it now.
- Add jalapeno slices, if using, lettuce, tomato and onion slices.
- Spread adobo sauce over the top bun. Place on top of burger and serve.
Notes
- The adobo sauce is not burn your mouth spicy/hot. It is more of a lingering tingle at the back of your mouth.
- Chicken or turkey burgers make a delicious, leaner option.
- If not using canned chiles, place poblano chiles on a grill or under the broiler until the skin is charred. Place them in a sealed container to steam, then peel off the skin, remove seeds, and slice.
- Toasting the buns will enhance the overall texture and flavor of the burger, but it is not mandatory.
Your burger looks amazing. With homemade buns 🙂 Thanks for joining us at the Let’s Get Social Sunday linky party. New follower! Diane @MamalDiane
You had me at chipotle, then came in with those homemade buns! Wow, these are burger perfection! 🙂 PINNING!
Love, Joy @ Yesterfood.blogspot.com
Another yummy recipe! Thanks for sharing once more! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Picmonkey is like, the best thing ever! And so are these burgers!
What amazing looking burgers and I’d love to try that lactose free cheese – and the adobe sauce – that sounds really intriguing xx
Thank you for sharing your recipe! I only use pic monkey for collages but it sure is awesome for it!
They look so good and I love the variations you’ve made!
These burgers look delicious – I know the hubby will enjoy making them on the grill!
I just found out about PicMonkey as well and love it!
So glad I found you on Marvelous Mondays 🙂
Picmonkey is awesome! So user friendly even a caveman can do it :).
Your adobo sauce looks interesting. I make it too but haven’t used coconut milk. Since I love coconut I think I might consider that. Great tip!
These look incredible! I used to make all my own buns…I may need to make them again. I love burgers more than anything else in the world! I’m going to mark your post!
I love this – I bet it is outta this world! Pinning to try!
This is making our mouths water! So much so that we might have to make this for breakfast! Thank you for sharing! YUM!
Oh wow! Those look so good! I make my own buns too. It’s so nice to know what you’re eating. Love your pictures! ~V
Oh man that burger looks amazing!
RebeccawithanR
My stomach is growling. I have not tried PicMonkey but I might check it out now.
Hi there! Found your blog thru the bloghop and am now following via Bloglovin 🙂
Ohhhhmg….I’m so glad I found the recipe to make these types of hamburger buns because they’re my favorite!!! Yum, this burger looks amazing.
Wow, Lisa – those look delicious!!! My husband loves burgers {and I’m more of a burger gal than a fancy food gal myself} – I’m pinning this to try for sure!! =) Thanks for linking up with us at the Pinterest Power Party!
Have a great weekend!!
Danielle
SewMuchCrafting.com
that sauce!!! oh my! yum 🙂
This is a great recipe, Lisa ! {and the bread rolls !} All your photos look so good 🙂 Thank you for sharing at our ALL MY BLOGGY FRIENDS party !
I will be trying this out! Looks amazing! I am a new follower from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully follow me back. Nicole
Yes! I LOVE picmonkey!
My burger buns are always so DENSE when I make them. I’ll have to try your recipe. And I looove a good spicy burger, bring on the chipotle mayo!!
Yum! This looks scrumptious!
I would love for you to share this and link up to my TGIF Link Party! The party is open every Friday and closes at midnight on Wednesday night. Who knows, you just might be featured next week!
I follow back: bloglovin, Facebook, and Twitter. =)
Hugs, Cathy
Every iteration looks pretty good to me. I use PicMonkey a lot trying to compensate for my poor photography skills. I am getting better (sometimes) but it SURE does help a lot! Thanks for sharing at the Burger Bash! Pinning.