Spinach-Mozzarella Stuffed Burgers - cooking recipe

Ingredients

BURGERS
1 1/2 lbs ground chuck
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 cups fresh spinach, firmly packed
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (4 oz.)
1/4 cup basil pesto
4 large hamburger buns, split
1 cup arugula, loosely packed
MAYONNAISE
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 tablespoon capers, chopped

Preparation

In a medium bowl, gently mix together the beef, salt and pepper.
Using generous 1/3 cup per patty, shape the mixture into 8 patties about 1/2-inch thick.
Refrigerate while preparing the stuffing.
Place the spinach in a dry large saucepan.
Cover and cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 min or until wilted, stirring occasionally.
Drain and cool.
Squeeze out any excess moisture.
Chop and place in a medium bowl.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese and pesto.
Mound about 1/4 cup packed stuffing in the center of 4 patties.
Cover with the remaining 4 patties, and seal the edges by pressing firmly together with you fingers.
Gently press the center of each patty to eliminate mounding.
Heat the grill or grill pan to medium heat.
Grill for 5-6 minute.
Flip and grill for 5-6 min more or until no longer pink.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together all the mayonnaise ingredients.
Place the buns, split side down, on the grill for 30-60 sec or until lightly toasted.
Spread each bun with 2 Tbs of the mayonnaise.
Top with a burger and some arugula, if desired.