Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

By Lady Butterfly

These tasty turkey burgers, served on toasted foccacia and dressed with marinara sauce, are reminiscent of a sausage pizza. Shredded mozzarella combined with fresh basil melts beautifully inside these gems.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 2 cup(s) chopped plum tomatoes, with juices
• 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh basil
• 1 pound(s) 93% lean ground turkey
• 1/4 cup(s) finely chopped scallions
• 2 teaspoon(s) minced garlic
• 2 teaspoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon(s) freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoon(s) finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 slice(s) (about 2 ounces each) foccacia bread, sliced

Preparation

Step 1

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 degrees F, 8 to 10 minutes total.

Warm the marinara on the stove. To assemble the burgers, spread 3 tablespoons of marinara on each toasted foccacia, top with a burger, about 3 more tablespoons of marinara and 1 tablespoon of the remaining cheese.Grilling Variation: To grill the turkey burgers, preheat a grill to medium-high. Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Grill the patties, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes total.

Tips & Techniques


Grilling Variation: To oil the grill rack, oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs, and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.) When grilling delicate foods like tofu and fish, it is helpful to spray the food with cooking spray.