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Italian Burgers

"My son, Tory, loves my lasagna, which I only make on Christmas," writes Bridgetta Ealy of Pontiac, Michigan. "As a surprise I created this burger, inspired by the lasagna he loves."

2 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 25 min.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons chili sauce
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
4 green pepper rings
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 slices smoked part-skim mozzarella cheese (1 ounce each)
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 whole wheat hamburger buns, split
1/4 cup fresh baby spinach

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the chili sauce, Parmesan cheese and Italian
seasoning. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into two
patties; set aside.
In a large skillet, cook peppers in oil over medium heat until
crisp-tender. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, cook
burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer
reads 160° and juices run clear, topping each with a pepper ring
and cheese slice during the last 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine ricotta cheese and parsley; spread over bun
bottoms. Top with spinach and burgers; replace tops. Yield: 2

2 of 2

Italian Burgers (continued)

Directions (continued)

servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 burger (prepared with reduced-fat ricotta cheese) equals 455 calories, 22 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 79 mg cholesterol, 550 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 36 g protein.