Grilled Southwest Burger with Chipotle Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A juicy grilled beef burger topped with smoky chipotle aioli and fresh avocado, inspired by popular Glendale burger spots. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a bowl, season 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then form into two 4-inch patties.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce until well combined; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Brush 2 burger buns with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill cut side down for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.
  4. Step 4: Grill the beef patties for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and the outside is slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, spread 2 tbsp chipotle aioli on each bun bottom, then layer with 1 leaf of lettuce, a grilled patty, 2 slices of avocado, 2 slices of tomato, and a few slices of red onion. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Southwest Burger with Chipotle Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Southwest Burger with Chipotle Aioli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Southwest Burger with Chipotle Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Southwest Burger with Chipotle Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Southwest Burger with Chipotle Aioli?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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