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Chipotle Burgers

These smoky chipotle burgers offer a sophisticated twist on a classic barbecue favourite, bringing a deep, earthy heat to your summer dining. By incorporating chipotle chillies in adobo sauce directly into the minced beef, the meat stays incredibly moist while delivering a punch of spice and a rich, charred flavour. This high-protein dish is perfect for those seeking a more adult flavour profile than the standard cheeseburger, relying on simple, high-quality ingredients to do the heavy lifting.

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an effortless weekend gathering, this recipe can be prepared on a traditional charcoal grill or a gas barbecue. Serving the spiced patties in toasted English muffins provides a satisfying textural contrast to the juicy beef. For a complete meal, pair these burgers with a crisp green salad or some homemade sweet potato wedges to balance the bold, piquant notes of the adobo.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Chipotle Burgers

  • 2 tablespoons canned chipotle chillies in adobo, including sauce

  • 450g beef mince chuck

  • 80g finely chopped onion

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 4 English muffins or hamburger buns, halved horizontally

How to make Chipotle Burgers

Prepare grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas); see "Grilling Procedure," below.

Meanwhile, open any whole chipotles and discard seeds, then mince chipotles.

Mix chipotles (with sauce), beef, onion, and salt with your hands, then form mixture into 4 (3/4-inch-thick) patties.

Grill burgers on lightly oiled grill rack, covered only if using gas grill, turning over once, 4 minutes total for medium-rare. Grill English muffins, cut sides down, until grill marks appear, about 30 seconds. Serve burgers in English muffins.

If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. When charcoal turns grayish white (about 15 minutes from lighting), hold your hand 5 inches above grill rack to determine heat for charcoal as follows:

Hot: When you can hold your hand there for 1 to 2 seconds

Medium-hot: 3 to 4 seconds

Low: 5 to 6 seconds

If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then, if necessary, reduce to heat specified in recipe.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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