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Smoky Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe with Easy Avocado Slaw

smoky chipotle bacon cheeseburger - featured image

A flavorful and quick smoky chipotle bacon cheeseburger paired with a creamy, tangy avocado slaw that balances smoky heat with fresh crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
  • 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cheddar cheese slices (sharp or mild)
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or soft buns)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Avocado Slaw (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, and thinly sliced red onion. Add diced avocado and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix, avoiding mashing the avocado. Refrigerate while cooking burgers.
  2. Mix the Chipotle Mayo (5 minutes): In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce, lime juice, and honey. Adjust chipotle amount to taste. Cover and refrigerate until assembly.
  3. Form the Burger Patties (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine ground beef with chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
  4. Cook the Bacon (8 minutes): Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon slices until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Reserve some bacon fat for cooking patties if desired.
  5. Cook the Burgers (8-10 minutes): Heat cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon fat or oil. Cook patties about 4 minutes on one side. Flip, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, and cook another 4-5 minutes for medium doneness.
  6. Toast the Buns (2-3 minutes): Butter the insides of burger buns lightly and toast in a pan or on the grill until golden brown.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread chipotle mayo on bottom bun. Add cheesy patty, then bacon slices. Top with avocado slaw and sandwich with top bun. Press gently to hold together.
  8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot with melty cheese and smoky bacon.

Notes

Do not overmix beef to keep patties tender. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Adjust chipotle heat to preference. Bacon fat can be used to cook patties for extra smoky flavor. Avocado slaw is best kept chilled and tossed gently before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoky chipotle bacon cheeseburger, avocado slaw, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, smoky burger, chipotle mayo, bacon cheeseburger