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.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Juicy texture. Black beans help keep the burgers moist.
Bold Tex-Mex flavor. Simple spices add warmth without overpowering.
Multiple cooking options. Pan-fry, grill, or air-fry with great results.
Ingredient Notes
- Black beans – Beans add moisture and texture while stretching the beef. Rinsing and draining well is important so the burgers don’t become too soft.
- Ground beef – An 80/20 or 85/15 blend works best for juicy burgers. Leaner beef may result in drier patties.
- Green chile peppers – Canned chopped green chiles add mild heat and classic Tex-Mex flavor. They’re flavorful without being overly spicy.
- Chili powder and cumin – These spices provide warmth and depth. Adjust slightly if you prefer a bolder or milder flavor.
- Cheese – Pepper jack complements the Tex-Mex flavors nicely, but Cheddar or American cheese work well too.
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.
Tips
- Don’t overmix. Mixing too much can make the burgers dense.
- Make an indentation. This helps the burgers cook evenly without puffing.
- Drain the beans well. Excess moisture can cause the patties to fall apart.
- Use a thermometer. Ground beef should reach 160°F.
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 and your favorite condiment.
- 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
Refrigerate: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked or uncooked patties, well wrapped, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through.
Refresh: Add a splash of water or cover loosely when reheating to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 pounds ground beef, I like 85% or 90% for these burgers
- 1 4- 4-ounce can green chile peppers, mild, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces cheese, (8 slices) 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 patties in the air fryer in a single layer and cook at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
