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Mozzarella-Stuffed Pizza Burger
Andre Lewis

Mozzarella-Stuffed Pizza Burger

This stuffed burger keeps its pizza argument focused: mozzarella in the beef, thick tomato sauce on top and a toasted garlic bun. Reduce the sauce until it sits rather than runs. As with any cheese-filled patty, test the meat at the side of the molten pocket.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder divided
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1 3/4 lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 4 oz low-moisture mozzarella cut into 4 compact pieces
  • 4 sturdy hamburger buns
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Simmer the crushed tomatoes, oregano, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt for 10 minutes until thick enough to mound on a spoon.
  2. Divide the beef into 8 portions and flatten each into a 5-inch round.
  3. Place one mozzarella piece in the center of 4 rounds, cover with the remaining rounds and pinch the edges firmly closed.
  4. Season with the remaining salt and pepper, then chill the stuffed patties for 10 minutes.
  5. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the meat beside the cheese pocket reaches 160°F.
  6. Rest the burgers for 3 minutes while mixing the butter with the remaining garlic powder and spreading it on the buns.
  7. Toast the buns cut-side down, then fill each with one stuffed patty, 1/4 cup tomato sauce and Parmesan.