Pizza Burgers

After the hubby and I visited my family this weekend, we went on to see my mother-in-law at her hobby ranch. It was a beautiful weekend, and we spent quite a bit of time outside. The hubby tilled my mother-in-law's garden. (We're still getting frosts here, so it's a been too risky to plant yet.)

I was slightly less productive. I supervised the burn barrel -- wind-free weekends are at a premium on the prairie -- and played with the horses. And then napped while the hubby made pizza for supper.

We each have our talents.

The next day, my sister-in-law was visiting, as well, and we decided to kick off the summer with some pizza burgers. This is a Rachael Ray recipe that I've been making for several years, and the hubby's family has always really liked them. (I offered to make them for my family once. My dad said they "sound like a waste of a good burger." Very well, then.)

Hamburger is mixed with pepperoni, a bit of tomato paste, and some seasonings, and then topped with cheese and pizza sauce. They're kind of an old-school favorite, like something you'd order from a drive-in.

Pizza Burgers
Serves 4

1 lb. ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/4 lb. chopped pepperoni
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Grill seasoning (preferably Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
4 slices mozzarella or provolone (or shredded equivalent)
4 hamburger buns
Pizza sauce, for topping

1. In a large bowl, combine hamburger, tomato paste, pepperoni, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

We made a double-batch. I'm eating for two.

2. Using your hands, combine the mixture until ingredients are well distributed. (This is a bit messy, like mixing a meatloaf). Form mixture into four patties.

As always with burgers, make a small hole in the middle so the center of your burger doesn't get taller than the rest.

3. Grill burgers over medium to medium-high heat. Sprinkle with grill seasoning.

The hubby is the best griller ever. These are picture-perfect.

4. Cook until burgers are at desired level of doneness, adding cheese for the last minute (about 10 minutes, total).

5. Meanwhile, heat your pizza sauce. And toast your buns, for good measure.

We typically use Stop-N-Go buns for our burgers, because they're fresh and soft and squishy. Aside from the hubby's, they're the best buns in town.

6. Serve burgers on toasted buns and top with pizza sauce. Don't forget your napkin.