Pizza Burgers

Pizza Burger

     It's summer time and what says summer more than something cooked right outside and right on the grill?  Nothing is more summer time than a good old-fashioned hamburger. American traditional grilling constitutes a great American dish. You have the hotdog, the BBQ chicken, and of course the great Hamburger.  There are so many ways to make a good hamburger. Whether you stuff it, top it, blacken it, and pickle it, etc. the options are endless.  The smell that comes from the browning beef arising off the grill is so mouth watering that you cannot wait to eat.  You can even smell someone grilling a good burger from down the street or around the block.  Getting together with a group of friends, drink some beers, and have a cookout on the grill is one of the greatest ways to show your appreciation for friends and to show off your cooking skills in the backyard.

     I have many different types of burgers that I like to make.  I am always trying to come up with a new version of a burger. Whether it is a new toping, choice of cheese, bun version, or combination of meats, it is always fun to play around and create a brand new burger to share with friends.  One of my favorite and very easy burger types is a Pizza Burger. Nothing fancy or too difficult, this burger explodes with flavors.  Serve it on a good crusty, seeded bun and you have a wonderful afternoon meal.  Please enjoy my simple version of the Pizza Burger.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• Spices and herbs
• 1 10oz can tomato sauce
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1 clove garlic
• Olive oil
• 1 tbs oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• Fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Crusty buns

     First combine your ground beef with some salt and pepper and 1 egg. I like to mix in a combination of spices and herbs, (which I am not giving away today), but play around with what herbs you might like in your burger.  Sometimes just plain salt and pepper is all you need in order to taste the good beef.  I mix them together until nice and incorporated.  This makes about 4 nice size burgers.  Pat out the burger shapes and place on a waxed paper tray and place in freezer for a short period of time.

     Meanwhile in a medium skillet drizzle a bit of olive oil and sauté over low to medium heat the 1 clove of garlic diced up.  Pour in the tomato sauce and paste.  Mix until combined. Stir in the oregano and sugar. Taste to make sure it is to your liking.  Turn off and remove from the heat. 

     Now take your burgers out of the freezer and start to grill them.  Make sure you cook your burgers to your liking or until they are well done.  I actually like my burgers a bit pink in the middle but don’t take my advice as people say you should not eat ground beef unless it is well done. Anyways, right before you decide to take the burgers off the grill, place a slice of fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella over the top of the burger.  Cover with a lid just until the cheese begins to melt.  Grill your buns to make them nice and crusty. Top your buns with the cheesy burger. Slather on some pizza sauce, lay some slices of fresh basil down on top, top with the other side of the bun, and serve. Delicious!  Serves 4.