Description
A juicy Caprese-inspired burger layered with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, a tangy balsamic glaze, and a creamy artichoke pesto sauce. A vibrant, gourmet-style grilled burger perfect for summer meals and cookouts.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced
3 tbsp fresh basil, minced
1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
6 tbsp mayonnaise
6 large hamburger buns
Butter, for toasting buns
12 thick slices fresh mozzarella
Romaine lettuce leaves
1–2 large tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, and minced basil. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form into 6 patties and press a small indentation in the center of each. Preheat grill to high heat.
- Make the Artichoke Pesto Sauce by blending artichoke hearts, pesto, and mayonnaise in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
- Grill patties for about 5 minutes, flip, and cook 3 minutes more. Top each with 2 slices of mozzarella, cover, and cook 2 minutes until melted. Remove from grill.
- Butter the buns and grill butter-side down until toasted.
- Reduce 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small pot over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Assemble the burgers: spread Artichoke Pesto Sauce on the buns, add the burger patty, lettuce, tomato, and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with the remaining bun.
Notes
Use 80/20 beef to keep the burgers juicy.
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
Use marinated artichokes if preferred—just drain excess oil.
Burrata makes an extra-creamy alternative to mozzarella.
Wrap in lettuce instead of using buns for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 140mg