Mozzarella-Stuffed Mushroom Pizza Burgers

Prep Time: 40 Minutes • Start to Finish: 40 Minutes • Makes 4 burgers

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• 1½ lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
• 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
• 1 package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms (about 3 cups)
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 4 burger buns, split
• ½ cup pizza sauce, warmed

1 In large bowl, mix beef, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Shape mixture into 8 patties, 4½ inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Press ¼ cup of the cheese into a ball with hands; press into 3 ½-inch-diameter patty. Repeat with remaining cheese. Place cheese patties on top of 4 beef patties; top with remaining beef patties. Pinch edges together to seal.

2 In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.

3 Heat gas or charcoal grill. Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 11 to 13 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F. During last 2 minutes of cooking, place buns, cut side down, on grill until toasted.

4 Place burgers on bottom halves of buns. Top with pizza sauce and mushroom mixture. Cover with top halves of buns.

1 Burger: Calories 560 (Calories from Fat 270); Total Fat 30g (Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 1.5g); Cholesterol 120mg; Sodium 1080mg; Total Carbohydrate 27g (Dietary Fiber 2g); Protein 43g Exchanges: 1½ Starch, 1 Vegetable, 5 Medium-Fat Meat, 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2

TipsTry using ½ cup shredded Cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella cheese or use 1 cup pizza cheese blend.

The melted cheese inside the burgers can be hot, so it’s good to give your guests a warning before they take a big bite.