Red Chili Burgers

• Recipe by Tim Goodell

Ingredients

1. 2 1/4 pounds ground chuck, preferably organic
2. Salt and freshly ground pepper
3. 1/2 pound Crecenza Stracchino or buffalo mozzarella, cut into 4 slices (see Note)
4. 4 brioche buns, split
5. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
6. 1 cup Griddled Onions
7. 1 cup prepared sauerkraut, warmed up
8. 1 cup Red Chili, warmed up

Directions

1. Light a grill. Gently form the ground beef into 4 thick patties and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill the patties over moderately high heat until lightly charred on the outside and medium-rare within, about 5 minutes per side. Just before the burgers are done, lay a slice of cheese on each one to melt.
2. Spread the cut sides of the buns with the melted butter and toast on the grill. Transfer the burgers to the buns. Top with the Griddled Onions, sauerkraut and Red Chili and serve.

Notes

Crescenza Stracchino is a creamy, milky cow's-milk cheese with a soft texture, similar to fresh mozzarella. We like the BelGioioso brand, available at cheese shops or specialty food stores. Buffalo mozzarella makes a fine substitute.