Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

EatingWell

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Marinara Sauce

• 2  teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1  small onion, finely chopped
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  cups  chopped plum tomatoes, with juices
• 6  sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and finely chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh basil

• Burgers

• 1  lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped scallion
• 2  teaspoons  minced garlic
• 2  teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1  teaspoon  freshly grated lemon zest
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2  tablespoons  finely chopped fresh basil
• 2  teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4  slices focaccia bread, toasted (4-inch square slices, about 2 ounces each)

Directions

1. Marinara-heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat; add onion and garlic; cover and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in fresh tomatoes and any juices, sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have broken down, 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in basil and remove from the heat; transfer to a food processor and pulse to form a coarse-textured sauce.
4. Return to the pan and set aside.
5. Burgers-place turkey, scallions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, oregano, pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
6. Gently combine, without overmixing, until evenly incorporated.
7. Form into 8 thin patties about 4 inches wide and 3/8 inch thick.
8. Combine 1/4 cup cheese and basil and place an equal amount in the center of 4 patties.
9. Cover with the remaining patties and crimp the edges closed.
10. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
11. Add burgers and cook, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°, 8-10 minutes.
12. Reheat the marinara on the stove.
13. To assemble the burgers, spread 3 tablespoons marinara on each toasted focaccia, top with a burger, about 3 more tablespoons marinara and 1 tablespoon remaining cheese.
14. 300 calories, 15 g fat, 14 g carb, 2 g fiber.