Southwestern Backyard Burgers

May 12, 2025

Memorial Day is just two weeks out, so it's time to clean the grill grates and plan a menu worthy of the long weekend. These Southwestern Backyard Burgers bring bold, satisfying heat to the table for a cookout that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. A blend of lean ground beef and pork sausage forms the base, layered with smoky depth and just enough kick from green chilies, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, chili powder, and cumin.

Each patty stays juicy without being greasy, searing beautifully on the grill and pairing perfectly with fresh toppings like crisp lettuce and ripe tomato. This recipe works hard without asking much—simple prep, fast cooking, and crowd-pleasing results that won’t keep you stuck at the grill while everyone else kicks back.

Whether feeding a full house or enjoying a relaxed afternoon with family, Southwestern Backyard Burgers hit that sweet spot of ease and flavor. Big, bold, and built for outdoor living, these burgers make Memorial Day grilling exactly what it should be—delicious, effortless, and made to enjoy outside.

Serves: 6-8

Southwestern Backyard Burgers Ingredients

• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke, optional
• 1/2 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 12 crackers)
• 4-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
• 8 slices pepper jack cheese
• 8 sesame seed hamburger buns, split
• Lettuce leaves and tomato slices
• Toppings of your choice

Southwestern Backyard Burgers Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef and sausage over the mixture and mix well. Shape into eight patties.
2. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Top with cheese. Grill 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted.
3. Grill buns, cut side down, for 1-2 minutes or until toasted. Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato, and toppings.

Taken from tasteofhome.com