Tex-Mex Gets a Healthy Twist With This Easy Southwest Burgers Recipe

So yummy slathered with a quick-prep cilantro mayo and topped with cheese!

There’s nothing I like more than sinking my teeth into a juicy burger. Let’s face it, this all-American classic is comfort food at its best. But I’m always looking for easy ways to introduce healthier ingredients into my meals without sacrificing flavor. That’s what inspired this Southwest Burgers recipe — it’s better for you and absolutely delicious!

Beans are high in fiber and lower in fat and cholesterol than ground beef. Trouble is, when mashed and formed into patties, they sometimes turn out mushy. That’s why we mash only some of the beans, then stir them into the remaining beans. This helps the patty hold together, plus it mimics that meaty texture we all love. Serve these burgers with cilantro mayo, creamy avocado, mango and crumbled cheese. They’re so good, we promise that no one will miss the meat! Cook along with our video and try them yourself, then send us a comment.

• ½ cup light mayonnaise
• 2 Tbs. + ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 (29 oz.) can black beans, rinsed, drained
• ¾ cup mild chunky salsa
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 3 Tbs. oil
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 6 sesame seed buns, split
• ½ cup thinly sliced sweet onion
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, sliced
• 1 mango, pitted, peeled, diced
• 2 cups baby mixed greens
• 1 cup crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

• In bowl, combine mayonnaise and 2 Tbs. cilantro; reserve. Reserve 1 cup beans. In bowl, using fork, mash remaining beans with salsa. Stir in breadcrumbs, remaining ¼ cup cilantro and reserved beans. Shape into 6 (½" thick) patties; chill 30 min.

• In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 Tbs. oil over medium heat. In 2 batches, cook patties, turning once, until golden and heated through, 3–4 min. per side, adding remaining 1 Tbs. oil for second batch. Brush burgers with ketchup.

• Spread reserved mayonnaise mixture over cut sides of rolls. Dividing evenly, fill buns with burgers, onion, avocado, mango, greens and queso fresco.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580
• Fat: 26 gram
• Saturated Fat: 5 gram
• Protein: 17 gram
• Carbohydrate: 72 gram
• Fiber: 11 gram
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sugar: 16 gram
• Sodium: 1,360 mg