If you love burgers and you love arepas, why choose between the two? This Arepa Burger brings these two favorites together in one delicious bite—juicy seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and a warm, crispy-on-the-outside Colombian arepa instead of a traditional hamburger bun.

A Colombian Twist on the Classic Burger
The idea for this Arepa Burger came to me one night while lying in bed, and I could not wait to get up the next day to make it! Arepas are versatile and can pretty much be filled or topped with anything you have on hand.
Arepas always come to the rescue when I am hungry and desperate for a quick meal. And just like traditional Colombian arepas, there's plenty of room to make this recipe your own. Add avocado sauce, hogao, garlic sauce, or your favorite toppings to create your perfect burger.

What Is an Arepa Burger?
It is essentially a hamburger served with a thick arepa in place of the bun. The arepas are made from precooked cornmeal, cooked until lightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. I have created several arepa dishes with various toppings and fillings, but until now, I never thought of using them in a burger. I hope you enjoy this burger as much as I did!
For a Colombian-inspired version, I like to keep the toppings simple and flavorful. Cheese, tomato, lettuce, coleslaw, and salsa rosada.

Why You'll Love This Arepa Burger
- Crispy, golden arepas replace the traditional bun.
- The corn flavor adds something special to the burger.
- It's comforting enough for a filling lunch or dinner.
- You can add your favorite burger toppings.
- It's a fun way to bring Colombian flavors to a familiar American favorite.

Ingredients You'll Need
The printable recipe card with exact amounts and cooking directions is below.
- Cooked arepas: You can make them at home with masarepa.
- Ground Beef: I like to use 20% fat ground beef for a flavorful burger.
- Vegetables: garlic, scallions and onion to make the burger patties.
- Spices: cumin, paprika, salt and pepper to add flavor to the burger.
- Toppings:
- Salsa Rosada
- Coleslaw
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato

How to Make an Arepa Burger
- In a large bowl add the ground beef, garlic, scallions, onion, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Form 4 patties.
- Heat a grill or sauté pan and cook the hamburgers for 5 minutes on each side until done.
- Remove to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. Allow the hamburgers to rest for 5 minutes and serve immediately on arepas with coleslaw, salsa rosada, cheese, lettuce and tomato.


More Recipes for a Latin-Style Cookout
Hot Dogs with Chimichurri Sauce


Arepa Burger Recipe
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt and black pepper
Arepa Burger
- 4 medium thick cooked arepas
- Coleslaw
- Salsa Rosada
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato
Instructions
- In a large bowl add the ground beef, garlic, scallions, onion, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Form 4 patties.
- Heat a grill or sauté pan and cook the hamburgers for 5 minutes on each side until done.
- Remove to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. Allow the hamburgers to rest for 5 minutes and serve immediately on arepas with coleslaw, salsa rosada, cheese, lettuce and tomato.


PJ Hatfield-Bauer
Arepas have become a staple in our gluten free household. This combo is delightful. Areas replace sliced bread so well!
Diana
This is a wonderful gluten-free alternative to a traditional hamburger! I'll try these out this weekend.
Erica
Thank you for all your comments and feedback!
Matt
I made those for my dad on Sunday, He is from Colombia and loved them.
Chris
That burger rocks, Erica. I like that "bun"!
grace
there's not a single thing wrong with this, erica--excellent burger!
Platanos, Mangoes and Me!
Definitivamente de deja comer...excelente!
Belinda @zomppa
Is this even legal? It looks so absolutely delicious! A perfect synergy.
Miriam
There's nothing like a good burger :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Angie@Angie's Recipes
A super duper looking burger!
Barbara
Very clever middle-of-the-night thinking, Erica! It's a super idea. And looks wonderful!