Nutty Italian Burger for the Grill
Fire up the grill and elevate your burger game with this Nutty Italian Burger, a gourmet twist on a barbecue classic! Juicy ground beef and pork are combined with bold Italian flavors including grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a subtly nutty crunch from toasted pine nuts. These patties are infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, then grilled to perfection and topped with creamy, melty fresh mozzarella. A dollop of vibrant basil pesto sauce and peppery arugula add a fresh finish, while toasted burger buns provide the ultimate base. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, this handcrafted burger recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that's both hearty and unique. Serve them up with crispy fries or grilled veggies for a complete Italian-inspired feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 0.5 pound Ground pork
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 4 units Burger buns
- 4 slices Fresh mozzarella (sliced)
- 0.25 cup Basil pesto sauce
- 1 cup Arugula (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, chopped basil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed; avoid overworking the mixture.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, roughly 1 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during grilling.
Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of mozzarella on each patty to melt slightly. Toast the burger buns on the grill at the same time, if desired.
Remove the patties and buns from the grill. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
Place the grilled patties on top of the sauced buns, then add a handful of arugula if using. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Enjoy your Nutty Italian Burger with a side of grilled vegetables or crispy fries!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
777 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.0 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.3 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 143 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 1203 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.7 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 43.1 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 298 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 763 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
