Tex Mex Burger Recipe

Homemade burgers are not my forte. I really don't like working with ground beef and cooking it on a grill for food safety reasons. I can and do make good burgers, but it's not my favorite food to cook. So when i do want a homemade burger, it's because i can't find another one like it at any restaurant. This tex mex recipe was inspired by my recipe for mexican pizza, the first recipe i ever developed. The combination of refried beans in the meat adds fabulous flavor and texture and solves the problem of a well-done burger, which is usually dry. Just 1/3 cup of refried beans is enough to add wonderful moisture to the meat. When you cook burgers, especially on the grill, it's important that they are covered to hold in the heat. Make sure the grill grate is thoroughly cleaned, and oil it very lightly before you add the burgers. Don't press down on the burgers while they cook, because you'll just press out all the juice and the burgers will be dry. Turn the burgers only once, and carefully. And always make sure that the meat-any ground meat-is cooked to 160f as tested with a reliable meat thermometer before you serve it. I love to top this burger with some homemade guacamole, lettuce, a big thick slice of juicy ripe tomato, some spicy pepper jack cheese, and serve it on a toasted onion bun. You could also add some salsa (homemade or purchased), some pickled jalapeno peppers, or sliced avocado. Heat the refried beans and serve them on the side, along with potato salad and a fruit salad. Enjoy every spicy bite.