Fajita Cheeseburger Recipe

Name: Fajita Cheeseburger
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon ground chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 6 ounces ground beef; salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 jalapeno, sliced into rings, seeded; 1/2 tomato, cut in quarters; 1/4 red onion, cut in thick slices; 1 hamburger bun; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, or as needed; 1 slice monterey jack

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Fajita Burger Recipe

Ingredients

1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
6 ounces ground beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 jalapeno, sliced into rings, seeded
1/2 tomato, quartered
1/4 red onion, cut into thick slices
1 hamburger bun
2 tablespoons mayonnaise, or as needed
1 slice Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Start by preparing the fajita seasoning. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well-mixed, then set aside.

Next, shape the ground beef into a burger patty. You can make it as thick or thin as you prefer, though a thinner patty will create more surface area for crisping. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the patty in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and olive oil, letting the butter melt and begin to sizzle. Once the butter is sizzling, place the burger patty into the skillet. Surround the burger with the jalapeno slices, tomato quarters, and red onion rings, ensuring all vegetables are touching the pan. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt.

Cook the burger for about 3 minutes, then sprinkle a generous amount of the fajita seasoning over the burger and vegetables. Once the burger edges start to brown, flip it and continue cooking. Add more fajita seasoning to the vegetables and the other side of the burger, then cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the burger is cooked through. The internal temperature of the burger should reach 160F (70C). If the vegetables finish cooking before the burger, remove them from the skillet and keep warm.

Meanwhile, spread mayonnaise on both the inside and outside of the hamburger bun. Toast it in a dry pan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.

When the burger is nearly done, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the cheese to melt. Pile the fajita vegetables on top of the cheese and serve the burger on the toasted bun. Garnish with a lime wedge for extra flavor.

Chef's Note: For an extra touch, you can toast the bun in the same pan youll use to cook the burger. The fajita seasoning mix is enough to season up to 4 burgers, but this recipe is for just one.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 1262
Total Fat: 76g (97% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 26g (130% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 202mg (67% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1283mg (56% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 80g (29% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 13g (47% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 24g
Protein: 70g (139% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 103mg (115% Daily Value)
Calcium: 546mg (42% Daily Value)
Iron: 13mg (72% Daily Value)
Potassium: 2523mg (54% Daily Value)

The Story Behind the Fajita Cheeseburger

The Fajita Cheeseburger is a creative fusion of two beloved culinary traditions: the classic American cheeseburger and the Mexican fajita. While burgers have been a staple in the United States since the early 20th century, fajitas trace their origins to the ranchlands of Texas in the 1930s, where Mexican cowboys would grill strips of skirt steak with onions and peppers over an open flame. Combining these two concepts creates a dish that is both hearty and flavorful, offering a spicy, juicy twist on the conventional burger.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is particularly popular in the Southwestern United States, where Tex-Mex cuisine thrives. The use of bold spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin reflects the regional flavor profile, while the inclusion of sauted peppers and onions mimics the classic fajita preparation. In this area, the Fajita Cheeseburger is often served in casual diners and barbecue joints that emphasize inventive takes on traditional comfort foods.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike a standard cheeseburger, the Fajita Cheeseburger incorporates a carefully seasoned mix of spices typically found in fajitas, along with sauted vegetables such as jalapeos, tomatoes, and red onions. This gives the burger a distinct smoky and spicy flavor that sets it apart from other burger varieties. While it shares some similarities with other Tex-Mex inspired burgers, the emphasis on authentic fajita spices and the layering of sauted vegetables make it unique.

Typical Serving Context

Fajita Cheeseburgers are usually found in casual restaurants, food trucks, and backyard cookouts where inventive burgers are appreciated. They are often paired with sides like tortilla chips, Mexican street corn, or seasoned fries. In many establishments, the burger is garnished with a lime wedge to enhance the spicy flavors and provide a fresh, tangy contrast.

Interesting Facts

The first documented mention of fajitas in Texas dates back to the 1930s, long before they became mainstream in American cuisine.
Using a mixture of spices rather than a single seasoning layer is key to achieving the signature fajita flavor in a burger format.
The Fajita Cheeseburger can be adapted with various cheeses, but Monterey Jack is preferred for its mild, creamy texture that complements the bold spices.
Despite its fusion origins, this burger has gained popularity nationwide, showcasing the versatility of Tex-Mex ingredients in American-style sandwiches.
Toasting the bun with mayonnaise adds an extra layer of richness and helps prevent sogginess from the sauted vegetables.

In conclusion, the Fajita Cheeseburger is more than just a sandwichits a celebration of Southwestern flavors with a distinctly American twist, bringing together spice, texture, and juiciness in every bite.

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FAQ about Fajita Cheeseburger Recipe

Store cooked burger patties and sautéed vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep mayonnaise and buns in their original packaging at room temperature or refrigerated if opened.

Yes, you can freeze cooked burger patties and vegetables for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Yes, the fajita seasoning mix can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months. The recipe makes enough to season 4 burgers.

Reheat the burger gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Covering with foil helps retain moisture. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can dry out the meat.

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust cooking time as needed since different meats may cook faster or slower than beef.

Yes, you can cook the burger patties and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and toast the bun just before serving for best texture and flavor.

If you have leftover toasted buns, allow them to cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispness.

Yes, adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to taste. Reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder burger, or increase slightly for extra heat. Jalapeno slices can also be omitted or replaced with milder peppers.

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Fajita Cheeseburger Recipe