Southwestern Burger

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
0.75 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef
0.75 pound bulk pork sausage
8 slices Monterey Jack cheese
8 hamburger buns, split, toasted
8 lettuce leaves
1 large tomato, sliced
1 to 2 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced
Mayonnaise or mustard, optional

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture, mix well. Shape into eight patties. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Top each burger with a cheese slice. Grill 1-2 minutes longer or until the cheese begins to melt. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado and mayonnaise if desired.

Yield : 8 servings

Pizza Burger

11.25 ounces frozen toast slices
1.75 pounds ground beef
1 cup pizza sauce, divided
18 slices pepperoni
12 slices mozzarella cheese, divided
1 tablespoon butter
sliced green pepper, ripe olives and grated
Parmesan cheese





Prepare six toast slices according to package directions. save remaining toast for another use. Meanwhile, shape beef into 12 thin patties. Top six patties with 1 tablespoon pizza sauce, three slices of pepperoni, and one slice mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining patties; press edges firmly to seal.
Grill, covered, over medium heat for 8 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Meanwhile, in a skillet, saute mushroom in butter. Top eash burger with a rounded tablespoonful of pizza sauce and one cheese slice. Cover; cook 3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Top toast with green pepper, burgers, mushrooms, olives and Pamersan.

Yield: 6 servings