Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

When you need a bold, smoky twist on classic burgers, these Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce bring just the right amount of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Juicy beef patties seasoned with chipotle peppers are grilled to perfection and topped with melty cheese, crisp vegetables, and a luscious avocado-cilantro sauce. Each bite is a balance of spice and cool, savory and fresh.

Ideal for backyard BBQs or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this burger isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. The avocado sauce works like a built-in cooling agent for the smoky burger heat, and with every layer, from buttery brioche bun to zesty red onion, it delivers pure satisfaction. You’ll want to keep this one on rotation all summer long.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For best results, go with 80/20 ground beef. This blend has enough fat to keep the burgers moist and flavorful without being overly greasy. You want those edges to crisp up nicely while the inside stays juicy. If you’re looking to go leaner, 85/15 can also work, just be sure not to overcook.

Ingredients for the Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce

  • Ground Beef (80/20): This forms the heart of the burger, rich and juicy when cooked right.
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Add deep, smoky heat to the patty and a subtle zing.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential for flavor depth in the beef.
  • Salt & Pepper: To bring all the burger flavors into balance.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a spicy creaminess.
  • Avocados: For that creamy, dreamy base of the avocado sauce.
  • Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds tang and silkiness to the sauce.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Brings brightness and a touch of herbaceous flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Balances the richness of the sauce with fresh acidity.
  • Brioche Buns: Soft, buttery buns that toast up beautifully and hold everything together.
  • Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion: Crunch and freshness to contrast the richness.
  • Optional: Sliced Jalapeños or Avocado for topping.
Pin this Recipe

How To Make the Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Make the Avocado Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocados, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, salt, and a clove of garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill in the fridge while you prep the burgers.

Step 2: Season and Shape the Patties

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with minced chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into equal-sized patties (about 4 to 6 depending on size). Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty and cover to melt.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

Lightly butter the insides of your brioche buns and toast them on the grill or skillet until golden and crispy. This adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

Spread a generous layer of the avocado sauce on the bottom bun. Top with the cheesy burger patty, followed by tomato slices, red onion rings, lettuce, and extra avocado slices if desired. Cap it with the top bun and press down gently.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with fries, chips, or a light side salad. These burgers are best eaten fresh and hot with extra avocado sauce on the side for dipping!

Serving and Storing Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce

These burgers are best served hot and fresh right off the grill with all your favorite toppings layered high. Pair them with crispy sweet potato fries, a crunchy slaw, or classic kettle chips for a full-on flavor experience. The avocado sauce doubles beautifully as a dip for sides or even as a sandwich spread the next day.

If you have leftovers, store the cooked burger patties separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to preserve texture. The avocado sauce should also be refrigerated in a sealed jar and used within 2 days to maintain its color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are the chipotle burgers?

They have a smoky heat that’s noticeable but not overpowering. You can control the spice level by using fewer chipotle peppers or removing the seeds.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes! Form the patties and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling.

What can I use instead of pepper jack cheese?

Monterey Jack, cheddar, or provolone work well if you want a milder or different flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option for the avocado sauce?

Swap Greek yogurt with a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or use a bit of olive oil and lime juice to thin out the sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey makes a leaner option. Just add a bit of olive oil or an egg yolk to help with moisture and binding.

What are good bun alternatives?

Lettuce wraps, whole wheat buns, or gluten-free rolls all work depending on your dietary needs or preferences.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Kick?

If these Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce got your taste buds dancing, check out these other flavor-packed favorites from the blog:

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it any time you’re in the mood for a next-level burger.

And drop a comment below to let us know how yours turned out! Did you amp up the spice or mellow it out? Try a different cheese or bun?

We love seeing your burger creations and tips—so don’t be shy. Questions, swaps, and rave reviews are all welcome!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce

  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burgers
Print Recipe

Description

Smoky, spicy, and ultra-juicy, these Chipotle Burgers with Avocado Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleasing burgers. The creamy cilantro-lime avocado sauce cools down the heat perfectly, and all the textures—crispy lettuce, melty cheese, soft brioche—come together for an unforgettable bite.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)

2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 slices pepper jack cheese

2 ripe avocados

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1 tbsp lime juice

1 garlic clove

4 brioche buns

Lettuce leaves

1 large tomato, sliced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Optional: extra avocado slices or jalapeños for topping

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine avocados, Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground beef with chipotle peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 burger patties.
  3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high. Cook burgers for 4–5 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Top each with a slice of cheese and let it melt.
  4. Toast brioche buns until golden.
  5. Assemble: spread avocado sauce on bottom bun, add burger, tomato, onion, lettuce, and any extras. Finish with the top bun.
  6. Serve immediately with sides of your choice.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

SAVE THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?