Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Directions

To prepare marinara:

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add onion and garlic, cover and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in fresh tomatoes and any juices, sun-dried tomatoes, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.

Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down, 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir in basil and remove from the heat.

Transfer to a food processor and pulse to form a coarse-textured sauce. Return to the pan and set aside.

To prepare burgers:

Place turkey, scallions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, oregano, ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl.

Gently combine, without overmixing, until evenly incorporated.

Form into 8 thin patties about 4-inches wide and ⅜ inch thick.

Combine ¼ cup cheese and basil and place an equal amount in the center of 4 patties.

Cover with the remaining patties and crimp the edges closed.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat (see Grilling Variation).

Add burgers and cook, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes total.

Warm the marinara on the stove.

To assemble the burgers, spread 3 tablespoons of marinara on each toasted focaccia, top with a burger, about 3 more tablespoons of marinara and 1 tablespoon of the remaining cheese.

Grilling Variation:

To grill the turkey burgers, preheat a grill to medium-high.

Oil the grill rack.

Grill the patties, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes total.