Burgers With Mozzarella And Spinach Arugula Pesto Recipes

PESTO HAMBURGERS

Steps:

• Shape beef into four 3/4-in.-thick patties. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook patties over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes on each side. , Top each burger with a slice of cheese, 2 tablespoons pesto and pepper strips. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Serve on buns.

SPINACH-MOZZARELLA STUFFED BURGERS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, gently mix together the beef, salt and pepper.
• Using generous 1/3 cup per patty, shape the mixture into 8 patties about 1/2-inch thick.
• Refrigerate while preparing the stuffing.
• Place the spinach in a dry large saucepan.
• Cover and cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 min or until wilted, stirring occasionally.
• Drain and cool.
• Squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Chop and place in a medium bowl.
• Stir in the mozzarella cheese and pesto.
• Mound about 1/4 cup packed stuffing in the center of 4 patties.
• Cover with the remaining 4 patties, and seal the edges by pressing firmly together with you fingers.
• Gently press the center of each patty to eliminate mounding.
• Heat the grill or grill pan to medium heat.
• Grill for 5-6 minute.
• Flip and grill for 5-6 min more or until no longer pink.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together all the mayonnaise ingredients.
• Place the buns, split side down, on the grill for 30-60 sec or until lightly toasted.
• Spread each bun with 2 Tbs of the mayonnaise.
• Top with a burger and some arugula, if desired.

GRILLED MOZZARELLA CHEESEBURGERS WITH DRIED TOMATO AND ARUGULA PESTO

Steps:

• Prepare grill.
• Cut six 1/4-inch-thick slices from center of onion and reserve. Divide beef into 6 portions. Form indentation in each portion and spoon rounded teaspoon pesto into each indentation. Form beef portions into six 3/4-inch-thick patties, enclosing pesto completely. Grill patties on an oiled rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals 5 minutes. Turn burgers and grill 3 minutes more. Top burgers with mozzarella and grill 2 minutes more, or until just cooked through. Transfer burgers to a platter and let stand while grilling onion. Brush onion on both sides with oil and grill until softened and browned, about 3 minutes on each side.
• Spread pesto on both sides of buns and make sandwiches with onion and burgers.
• In a food processor blend together all ingredients with salt and pepper to taste until smooth. Pesto keeps, surface covered with plastic wrap, chilled, 1 week. Makes about 1 cup.