FAST FIX

ZESTY SOUTHWESTERN BURGERS

We love burgers and have them every Saturday in summer. We also have a favorite burrito recipe. One day, we got the bright idea to combine the two favorites. Voila! Our Southwestern burgers were born.

—TAMMY FORTNEY DEER PARK, WA



START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

4 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 pounds lean ground beef

3/4 pound bulk pork sausage

8 slices Monterey Jack cheese

8 hamburger buns, split, toasted

8 lettuce leaves

1 large tomato, sliced

1 to 2 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced

Mayonnaise or mustard, optional

1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture; mix well. Shape into eight patties.

2. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Top each burger with a slice of cheese.

3. Grill 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese begins to melt. Serve on buns with the lettuce, tomato, avocado and mayonnaise or mustard, if desired.