It’s grilling season, and I’m excited to get back out there with this avocado burger recipe. Homemade avocado smash, beef patties, crispy bacon, and my other favorite toppings are piled up to make these juicy burgers. These easy-to-make avocado bacon burgers are on the table in 25 minutes, and they’re absolutely packed with creamy avocado-y goodness!
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I’m an avocado fanatic! My avocado egg salad recipe and avocado egg rolls are prime examples of how I just love to add avocado anywhere I can. So why not double down on these delicious hamburgers by adding an avocado mash and sliced avocado?! Yum!
What’s in This Avocado Burger Recipe?
- Avocado Smash: Made from ripe avocados, mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, this guacamole-like mash adds creaminess and flavor to the burgers.
- Beef: I like 85%-lean ground beef for a balance of fat and flavor.
- Buns: I like to make my own homemade hamburger buns when I have time, but store-bought are great in a pinch.
- Lettuce: Any kind of lettuce works well.
- Cheese: Classic cheddar is my favorite, but just about any cheese works.
- Tomato: I like big beefsteak tomatoes for a slice that covers the whole burger.
- Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a bit of bite.
- Bacon: Cooked bacon strips add a salty and umami flavor.
- Avocado: I topped these burgers with more sliced ripe avocados for even more creaminess and flavor.
Tips for Success
- You can make the avocado smash in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Ensure you cover it with plastic wrap to minimize oxidation.
- To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado smash, ensuring there’s minimal air exposure. This will help preserve its vibrant color.
- Add chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce or sriracha, to the avocado smash for a spicier kick to your burgers.
- To save time, use store-bought guacamole for the burger instead of the avocado smash.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the burgers for doneness.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To reheat, place the leftover burger patties in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can use a microwave with a lower power setting. For an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F and air fry the burgers for 5 minutes until they are warmed to your liking, ensuring to flip them halfway through for even heating.
The avocado smash is best made and used fresh, because avocado browns quickly. But if you have some leftover, store it in an airtight container, and place a layer of plastic wrap tightly against the avocado. Then mix in some lemon juice to freshen it up.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve these hearty bacon avocado burgers with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a kale Caesar salad. If you really love avocado, make these avocado fries!
Avocado Burger Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Avocado Smash
- 2 ripe avocados
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from ½ lime)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground beef
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Burger Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 leaves lettuce
- 4 slices cheese use your favorite kind
- 1 beefsteak tomato sliced
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 8 strips cooked bacon
- 2 ripe avocados sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash the ripe avocados to your preferred texture. Add mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.2 ripe avocados, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into ½-inch patties. Gently flatten them to maintain their texture and do not overwork the meat. Season with salt and black pepper.1 pound ground beef, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Preheat a grill pan over high heat and lightly oil it. Season one side of the burger patties with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned side down into the pan, ensuring a light press for optimal contact and caramelization. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the edges turn grey. Season the top side with salt and pepper, then flip.
- Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the patties to a heat-proof plate and place them in the oven, turning off the heat. Cheese can be added to the patties in the oven or later.
- In the same pan, lightly toast the burger buns.4 hamburger buns
- Spread a generous amount of the avocado smash on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top of the smash, followed by a burger patty with cheese. Add a slice of tomato, a few slices of red onion, and cooked bacon strips. Top with additional avocado slices. Complete the burger with the top half of the toasted bun.4 leaves lettuce, 4 slices cheese, 1 beefsteak tomato, 1 red onion, 8 strips cooked bacon, 2 ripe avocados
Becky’s Tips
- While you can cook your burgers however you like, it is recommended to cook them to an internal temperature of 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Burger Temperature Chart:
- For rare burgers: 125-130°F
- For medium-rare burgers: 130-140°F
- For medium burgers: 140-150°F
- For medium-well burgers: 150-160°F
- For well-done burgers: 160-165°F
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make an Avocado Burger Step by Step
Make the Avocado Smash: In a bowl, mash 2 ripe avocados to your preferred texture. Add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro (feel free to skip this), 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Form the Burger Patties: Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into ½-inch patties. Gently flatten them to maintain their texture and do not overwork the meat. Season with salt and black pepper. Preheat the oven to 200°F (we’ll use it to keep the burgers warm while cooking).
Cook the Patties: Preheat a grill pan over high heat and lightly oil it. Season one side of the burger patties with salt and pepper, then place it seasoned side down into the pan, ensuring a light press for optimal contact and caramelization. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the edges turn grey. Season the top side with salt and pepper, then flip. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the patties to a heat-proof plate and place them in the oven, turning off the heat. Cheese can be added to the patties in the oven or later.
Toast the Buns: In the same pan, lightly toast 4 burger buns.
Assemble the Avocado Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the avocado smash on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top of the smash, followed by a burger patty with cheese. Add a slice of tomato, a few slices of red onion, and 2 cooked bacon strips. Top with additional avocado slices. Complete the burger with the top half of the toasted bun.
