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