Spicy Southwest Chipotle Burgers with Creamy Guacamole

Ingredients:

For the Chipotle Burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Guacamole:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

• Burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pepper jack cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, cilantro, minced garlic, chipotle pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties.
4. Place the burger patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. While the burgers are cooking, prepare the guacamole. In a bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork. Add red onion, cilantro, diced tomato, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Toast the burger buns on the grill for a minute or until they are lightly browned.
7. Assemble the burgers by placing a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a generous spoonful of guacamole, lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese if desired.
8. Place the top half of the bun over the toppings and secure with a toothpick if needed.
9. Serve the Southwest Chipotle Burgers with extra guacamole on the side and enjoy your delicious, spicy creation!