Pesto Bruschetta Beef Burger with Fresh Mozzarella

With crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired flavours, this delicious burger is perfect for quick summer weeknight dinners or easy weekend entertaining. Serve the burger open-faced or on radicchio lettuce leaves if preferred.
Yield 6 Servings Prep. Time 5 min Cooking Time 15 min Total Time 20 min

Ingredients

Here are the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups (500 mL) halved grape tomatoes
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) prepared basil pesto
  • 6 Lean Ground Beef Burgers,¾ inch (2 cm) thick
  • ⅓ cup (75 mL) olive oil
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) dried Italian herb seasoning
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 6 ciabatta buns, split
  • 8 oz (250 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Balsamic glaze

Shopping List

Here are the following shopping items to buy:

Method

Follow these cooking methods/directions:

  1. Combine tomatoes and pesto in a medium bowl; set aside.]

  2. Make a thumbprint depression in centre of each burger (to prevent puffing while grilling). Grill burgers on oiled grill in a closed preheated barbecue over medium-high heat (400°F/200°C) for 10 to 14 minutes for ¾ inch (2 cm) thick burgers, turning twice or more, or until a digital instant-read thermometer inserted sideways into centre of each burger reads 160°F (71°C.)

  3. Meanwhile, whisk oil with Italian seasoning and garlic in a small bowl. Brush on the cut sides of each bun. Grill buns, oiled sides down, on barbecue for 30 to 60 seconds or until well-marked and toasted.

  4. Place grilled burgers on bun bottoms. Top with mozzarella slices, reserved tomato-pesto mixture, a drizzle of balsamic glaze and bun tops.