Grilled Italian Sausage Burgers

Inject some spice into your next barbecue with quick and easy Italian sausage burgers, fresh off the grill. The slices of mozzarella and sun-dried tomato mayo make simple, savory finishing touches.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6 burgers

Ingredients

• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1⁄2 lb  bulk hot Italian sausage
• 2  tablespoons  Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 3⁄4 ounce mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 12  slices  Italian bread, 1/2 inch thick
• 1⁄2 cup  sun-dried tomato mayonnaise
• 1  cup  shredded lettuce
• 1  medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Mix beef, sausage and bread crumbs in large bowl. Shape mixture into 6 patties, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
2. Cover and grill patties 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until meat thermometer inserted in center reads 160°F Top patties with cheese. Cover and grill about 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted. add bread slices to side of grill for at least 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, turning once, until lightly toasted.
3. Spread toasted bread with mayonnaise; top 6 bread slices with lettuce, tomato and patties. Top with remaining bread slices.
4. SUBSTITUTION: If you can't find sun-dried tomato mayonnaise, mix up your own by combining 1/3 cup mayonnaise with about 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Regular mayonnaise works just fine as well.
5. SUCCESS: To keep food safe while grilling, always separate uncooked foods from cooked foods, and each other, too.
6. SERVE WITH: Pair these hearty sandwiches with an Italian-style pasta salad, homemade or from the deli, or maybe a bagged Caesar salad.