Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Burgers
These Tex-Mex beef and bean burgers are packed with bold flavor and a hearty, satisfying texture. A can of black beans or pinto beans stretches the ground beef and adds protein and fiber, while green chiles, chili powder, and cumin give the burgers a tasty Southwest flair. Top with melty pepper jack cheese and serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. They’re easy to cook in a skillet, on the grill, or in the air fryer—perfect for weeknights or weekend cookouts.
These Tex-Mex beef and bean burgers are hearty, flavorful, and just a little spicy—perfect when you’re craving something beyond a plain burger. The mixture of seasoned ground beef and mashed beans gives them extra texture and helps stretch your ingredients, making them both delicious and budget-friendly.
You can cook these burgers any way you like: pan-fried, grilled, or even air-fried. Top them with pepper jack cheese for a little extra heat, or use cheddar or American if you prefer. Serve with potato salad, chips, and salsa, or a crisp cucumber salad for a full Tex-Mex-inspired meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Tex-Mex Burgers
Flavor-packed. Spices, chiles, and cheese give these burgers bold Tex-Mex flavor.
Hearty and budget-friendly. Beans add bulk and nutrition while stretching the beef.
Versatile cooking options. Cook them on the stovetop, grill, or in the air fryer.
Family favorite. Customize the heat level and toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
How to Make Beef and Bean Burgers
- Combine the ground beef, beans, chiles, and seasonings in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 8 burger patties and press a small dent into the center of each.
- Cook the burgers in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Add a slice of cheese to each burger and cook just until melted.
- Alternatively, grill the burgers or cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot on buns with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Variations
- Make them milder. Use mild cheddar or American cheese and skip the chili powder.
- Add chopped onions. Mix in 1/4 cup finely chopped onions for more texture and flavor.
- Use different beans. Try pinto beans or even mashed kidney beans instead of black beans.
- Make sliders. Form into smaller patties for sliders or kid-friendly portions.
- Go spicy. Add minced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the burger mix.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on toasted burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and sliced red onion.
- Pair with potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple cucumber salad.
- Top with guacamole, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream for Tex-Mex flair.
- Offer tortilla chips and pico de gallo or queso on the side.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze. Freeze uncooked or cooked patties between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To Reheat. Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through. Add cheese just before serving if needed.
Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 16- ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 4- ounce can chopped green chile peppers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 slices cheese, pepper jack, cheddar, or American
Instructions
- Combine ingredients. Turn the rinsed beans into a large bowl. Add the ground beef to the beans along with the chile peppers, salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper. Blend thoroughly.
- Shape the burgers. Form the meat mixture into patties. With your thumb make a depression in the center of each burger. This will help keep them from puffing in the center.
- Fry the burgers. Add a small amount of oil to a skillet and heat over high heat. Add the burgers and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Add a slice of cheese to each burger and continue cooking just until the cheese has melted.
Grill or Grill Pan
- Grill over high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Add a slice of cheese to each burger and continue cooking just until the cheese has melted.
Air Fryer
- Arrange 4 the patties in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Turn the air fryer off and place a slice of cheese on the burger. Close the air fryer and let the burgers stand for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
