Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato

Name: Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 jar (7 ounces) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 3 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 tablespoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean); 1 cup crumbled goat cheese; 8 hamburger buns, split; Mixed salad greens, optional

This irresistible gourmet burger recipe brings together many of the flavors my family enjoys, plus there’s a delicious filling in the center. You can use almost any cheese—Gorgonzola, feta, smoked Gouda and blue all work! —Aaron Shields, Hamburg, New York

Ingredients

1 jar (7 ounces) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
3 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
8 hamburger buns, split
Mixed salad greens, optional

Directions

Drain tomatoes, reserving 1/3 cup oil; set aside. In a large skillet, saute sliced onions in 3 tablespoons reserved oil until softened. Add vinegar. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop sun-dried tomatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Add the red onion, seasonings and remaining oil. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 16 patties. Place 2 tablespoons goat cheese on the center of 8 patties. Top with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal.
Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear, 5-7 minutes on each side.
Place buns, cut side down, on grill until toasted, 1-2 minutes. If desired, top buns with mixed greens. Serve burgers on buns with onions.

Test Kitchen tips

Use a gentle hand when shaping the burgers. Overworking will make them less tender.

If the flavor of goat cheese is too strong for you, try provolone or fresh mozzarella.

Nutrition Facts

1 burger with 2 tablespoons onions: 596 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein.