Inside-Out Burgers with Avocado and Sprouts

Creative condiments—guacamole and alfalfa sprouts—and cheddar in the center give lean beef patties extra zip.

PREP: 15 minutes      GRILL: about 12 minutes

MAKES: 4 main-dish servings

1½ pounds lean (90%) ground beef

2 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (½ cup)

½ teaspoon plus teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 ripe avocado

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 cup alfalfa or radish sprouts

¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

3 multigrain hamburger buns, split

2 small tomatoes, each cut into 4 wedges

1. Lightly spray a ridged grill pan with nonstick cooking spray, then heat on medium until hot, or prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling over medium heat.

2. Meanwhile, on work surface, shape ground beef into 3 ½-inch patties, handling meat as gently as possible for best texture. Place Cheddar in center of 4 patties, leaving ½-inch border around each patty’s edge. Top with remaining 4 patties, and press edges together to seal. Lightly sprinkle burgers with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper to season both sides.

3. Place burgers in hot grill pan or on hot rack, and cook 12 minutes for medium or to desired doneness, turning burgers over once halfway through cooking.

4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mash avocado with lime juice and remaining teaspoon salt. In another small bowl, combine alfalfa sprouts and chopped cilantro.

5. Serve burgers on buns topped with sprout and avocado mixtures. Serve tomato wedges on the side.

EACH SERVING: About 480 calories, 36g protein, 25g carbohydrate, 27g total fat (9g saturated), 102mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium