Savory Sausage And Beef Burger With Basil Pesto

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 Cup minced sweet onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 pound ground beef (chuck)
• 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 6 thick slices mozzarella cheese
• 6 brioche hamburger buns, toasted
• 6 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce
• 12 thin slices of ripe tomato

Instructions

• Saute onion and garlic in olive oil over low heat for several minutes, until very tender and slightly browned. Set aside to cool.
• Combine beef, sausage, onion/garlic mixture, tomato paste and spices and form into 6 large patties.
• Preheat barbecue grill or grill pan until hot.
• Grill burgers over medium heat, approximately 8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature registers 160 degrees.
• Top with cheese and continue cooking until melted, approximately one minute.
• Toast buns and spread 1 tablespoon pesto on the bottom half of each bun.
• Top with burger patty and 2 thin slices of tomato, followed by the top bun.
• Serve with Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon.