Mozzarella-Stuffed Mushroom Pizza Burgers

 

1 1/2

lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1

teaspoon Italian seasoning

1

teaspoon salt

1/2

teaspoon pepper

1

cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)

1

tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

1

package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms (about 3 cups)

1

clove garlic, finely chopped

4

hamburger buns, split

1/2

cup pizza sauce, warmed

• 1 In large bowl, mix beef, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Shape mixture into 8 patties, 4 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Press 1/4 cup of the cheese into a ball with hands; press flat into 3 1/2-inch-diameter patty. Repeat with remaining cheese. Place cheese patties on top of 4 beef patties; top with remaining beef patties. Pinch edges together to seal.
• 2 In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.
• 3 Heat gas or charcoal grill. Place patties on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 11 to 13 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160°F. During last 2 minutes of cooking, place buns, cut sides down, on grill until toasted.
• 4 Place burgers on bottom halves of buns. Top with pizza sauce and mushroom mixture. Cover with top halves of buns.