Chipotle-Style Smash Burger with Smoky Mayo and Pickled Onions

Who doesn’t like a good burger? Burgers are endlessly customizable, and this grilled Chipotle Burger leans into bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Smoky chipotle in the beef and a creamy adobo sauce elevate this burger—perfect for summer grilling.

Grilled Chipotle burger.

Table of Contents

  • Key Ingredient List for a Grilled Chipotle Burger
  • Step 1: How to Make the Perfect Burger Patty
  • Step 2: How to Make an Adobo Burger Sauce
  • Step 3: Time to Grill the Chipotle Burger
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Summer Grilled Burger Recipe Inspiration
  • Chipotle Burger Recipe

Key Ingredient List for a Grilled Chipotle Burger

  • Beef: Use an 80/20 chuck blend for flavor and juiciness.
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo: Finely chopped and mixed into the beef for smoky heat; reserve some adobo for the sauce.
  • Avocado: Adds a creamy balance to the spicy patty.
  • Seasoning: A good all-purpose rub or seasoning to enhance the beef.

Step 1: How to Make the Perfect Burger Patty

The components for this grilled Chipotle Burger are straightforward.

Start with 80/20 ground beef. Finely chop a few chipotle peppers in adobo and add them to the meat. Season generously with your favorite all-purpose rub and mix gently until evenly distributed—overworking the meat will make the patties dense.

Raw Chipotle beef patty.

Portion the meat into 1/4 lb (about 113 g) scoops, roll into balls, and press into 1/2-inch patties using a burger press or your hands. Use parchment paper under the patties to prevent sticking. Chill the formed patties in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before cooking.

Step 2: How to Make an Adobo Burger Sauce

The creamy adobo sauce is the perfect complement to the spicy chipotle patty.

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, a spoonful of the adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of all-purpose seasoning. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to assemble the burgers.

Chipotle adobo burger sauce.

Step 3: Time to Grill the Chipotle Burger

These patties work well on a grill, griddle, or in a cast-iron skillet. If cooking indoors, ensure good ventilation. For grilling, preheat to 400°F (about 204°C) and cook the patties over direct heat for roughly 8 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

In the final minute, place a slice of pepper jack (or your preferred cheese) on each patty and allow it to melt. Remove the patties when their internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare to medium. Let them rest for 10 minutes before assembling.

To assemble: toast the buns, layer with crunchy lettuce, tomato, and avocado slices, place the patty on top, and finish with a generous spoonful of the creamy adobo sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Grilled Chipotle burger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef should I use for a burger patty?

An 80/20 lean-to-fat chuck blend is ideal: it provides flavor and keeps the patty juicy.

What are chipotle adobo peppers?

Chipotle adobo peppers are smoked, dried jalapeños packed in a tangy, tomato-vinegar-based sauce that adds smokiness and heat.

Summer Grilled Burger Recipe Inspiration

img 5704 7

Beef

Copycat In-N-Out Burger

img 5704 8

Beef

Chorizo Burger

img 5704 9

Beef

The Long Mac

img 5704 10

Beef

Juicy Lucy Burger

If you tried this Grilled Chipotle Burger, please leave a star rating and tell me how it went in the comments. I love hearing from you!

Chipotle Burger

Smoky adobo in the beef and a creamy sauce take this chipotle burger up a few notches. A great summer recipe.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 2 People

Ingredients

Burger Patty Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 4 burger buns
  • 1 tomato
  • 1 avocado
  • 4 lettuce leaves

Creamy Adobo Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • Adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers (to taste)
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine ground beef, seasoning, and chopped chipotle peppers. Mix gently and portion into 1/4 lb balls. Form 1/2-inch patties and refrigerate 15 minutes.
  • For the sauce, mix mayo, a spoonful of adobo sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of seasoning. Set aside.
  • Preheat grill to 400°F (direct heat). Grill patties about 8 minutes, flipping once.
  • Top each patty with cheese in the last minute to melt. Remove when internal temperature reaches 135°F and rest 10 minutes.
  • Toast buns, assemble with lettuce, tomato, avocado, the patty, and finish with the creamy adobo sauce.

Notes

An 80/20 blend is best for a juicy, flavorful burger. For a leaner option, choose a leaner blend but avoid overcooking.

Cheese options include provolone, colby jack, or pepper jack for extra heat and creaminess.

Nutrition

Calories: 1198 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 59 g |
Protein: 51 g |
Fat: 85 g

Check out the Recipes Page for other tasty ideas!