MOZZARELLA STUFFED BURGERS RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• The key is to “infuse” the meat with the spices, and not just add them to the top. In a bowl, combine all ingredients like you would meatloaf and divide into five equal portions. Break each portion in half and make them flat..place some mozzarella in each one, leaving enough room to be able to pinch the seams of the two pieces together around the cheese.
• Lightly coat each burger with olive oil so they don’t stick to the grill. BBQ on each side for about three minutes. Elk meat is best cooked to be a bit pink in the middle, but it is up to you and your preference. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few seconds.
• Normally I would put the usual suspects on a burger, lettuce, tomato, etc., but with this one, I find the simpler, the better. So add a bit of mayo to the bottom bun for some moisture, place the burger on top and drizzle it with a tablespoon or so of the blackberry ketchup.

Steps:

• To prepare marinara: Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cover and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in fresh tomatoes and any juices, sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in basil and remove from the heat. Transfer to a food processor and pulse to form a coarse-textured sauce. Return to the pan and set aside.
• To prepare burgers: Place turkey, scallions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Gently combine, without overmixing, until evenly incorporated. Form into 8 thin patties about 4-inches wide and 3/8 inch thick.
• Combine 1/4 cup cheese and basil and place an equal amount in the center of 4 patties. Cover with the remaining patties and crimp the edges closed.
• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat (see grilling variation). Add burgers and cook, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes total.
• Warm the marinara on the stove. To assemble the burgers, spread 3 tablespoons of marinara on each toasted focaccia, top with a burger, about 3 more tablespoons of marinara and 1 tablespoon of the remaining cheese.