Double Salsa Burgers

A fresh tomato salsa flavors the ground beef and also serves as a colorful topping for these zesty burgers.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 large tomato, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 fresh or pickled jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 small lime
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Guacamole (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. For salsa, in a medium bowl combine tomato, green pepper, onion, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the salsa. Cover and chill the remaining salsa until serving time.
2. In another medium bowl, combine ground beef and the 2 tablespoons salsa; mix well. Shape mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick oval patties.
3. Grill patties on an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 12 to 14 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, turning once.
4. Arrange shredded lettuce on dinner plates. Top with patties, remaining salsa, and cheddar cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and/or guacamole.

Makes 6 servings.