San Antonio Bean Burger Recipe: A Hamburger with Fritos and Beans
Sneak Preview: This San Antonio Bean Burger recipe makes a beefy hamburger topped with refried beans, Fritos, and cheese similar to those once served at EZ’s.
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Have you ever driven to your favorite restaurant with great anticipation only to find a “gone out of business” sign on the door?
A few years ago, we drove to Dallas (about 45 minutes away) to eat at one of our favorite restaurants. It was a 50’s style diner called EZ’s.
When we drove up, we observed the building was gone and replaced with a convenience store. In shock and dismay, we drove around the block looking for it as if somebody had rearranged the neighborhood without telling us.
Recipe Inspiration
San Antonio Beanburgers with Fritos on top was one of our favorite items on the menu at EZ’s, a restaurant based out of San Antonio. Unfortunately, they are no longer in the DFW area.
As a result of their disappearance, I have tried to recreate a similar sandwich- a delicious hamburger topped with refried beans, Cheddar, Fritos, onions, and Picante sauce.
What is a San Antonio Bean Burger?
The “beanburger is an iconic San Antonio dish originally made with a beef patty that is topped with diced onions, crushed Fritos corn chips, refried beans, and Cheez Whiz (processed cheese sauce or spread).”
—TasteAtlas.com
As you may have figured out, this bean burger is not a vegetarian affair. Not at all. It takes its name from the fact that refried beans are among the many delicious toppings.
What Makes This Specialty Hamburger Memorable?
Thick, juicy hamburger + cheese + garlic-y refried beans + the crunchy saltiness of the Fritos + a fresh hamburger bun = HAMBURGER ECSTASY!!
Recreating EZ’s World Famous Beanburger is one of my culinary obsessions. The interesting blend of textures and flavors makes their world-famous bean burger unique and memorable. They are a treat well worth a few extra jumping jacks!
These are messy but worth it.
San Antonio Bean Burgers are a little tricky to eat. The beans on top of a thick beef patty are refried. That means they are squishy and may “drip” when you bite. The Fritos sprinkled on top require a large mouth to taste everything in one go. I don’t mind the challenge.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- GROUND BEEF: Yes, this burger starts with ground beef. Good quality chuck beef is my first choice.
- CHEESE: You can go several ways. I like to add shredded cheese to the hamburger meat before making it into patties. You could also try slices of cheese melted on top or a small amount of processed American cheese, like Cheez Whiz, poured over the cooked burgers. The latter will probably be your favorite if you favor gooey nachos like those sold at the ballpark.
- REFRIED BEANS: We prefer refried pinto beans. Refried black beans are also popular.
- OTHER TOPPINGS: We love to add avocado slices or guacamole. In addition, some people add onions, but not me. A tomato slice or Picante sauce would be good, but honestly, this sandwich is pretty thick already, so it gets even messier if you go overboard on the extras.
Help at Your Fingertips: For questions or suggestions, email Paula at saladinajar.com. If you need help, I’m happy to troubleshoot via email (faster than leaving a comment). Attach pictures and as many details as possible for the best advice.
San Antonio Bean Burgers Topped with Fritos
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453 g) ground chuck
- salt and pepper
- ¾ cup (84 g) shredded Cheddar or Pepper Jack
- 4 hamburger buns
- ½ cup (120 g) refried beans
- ¾ cup (66 g) Fritos chips
- 1 avocado sliced
Instructions
- Season 1 pound (453 g) ground chuck with salt and pepper. Lightly mix in 3/4 cup (84 g) shredded Cheddar or Pepper Jack.
- Form meat into four balls. Flatten into patties and make a depression in the middle with your fingers. Lay on a hot grill with the depression up. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Do not flatten with a spatula. Turn patties and cook until done. Grill or toast 4 hamburger buns
- Place a meat patty on top of the bottom bun. Spread a generous tablespoon of warmed 1/2 cup (120 g) refried beans on top of the burger. Sprinkle a handful of the crumbled 3/4 cup (66 g) Fritos chips on top of the beans. If using avocados or guacamole, place one-quarter of 1 avocado on top of beans and Fritos. Replace the top bun and lightly press down to squish the toppings together for easier eating.
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.