Tuscanny Twisted Tomato Burgers

Ingredients

1 large loaf fresh Italian bread
1/3 cup pesto sauce
1 egg slightly beaten
1 1/2 lbs. 90% lean ground beef
1 cup zesty Italian croûtons crushed
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic crushed
vegetable oil to brush grill
6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
6 beefsteak tomato slices
6 red onion slices

Instructions

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium high.

Slice and split 6 equal portions of Italian bread. Spread pesto sauce on cut sides of bread and cover with plastic wrap to keep fresh. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine egg, beef, croutons, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Mix together until well blended with hands. Form mixture into 6 equal patties.

To cook patties, brush grill with oil. Place patties on rack and cover the grill. Cook the patties, turning only once, until done preference, 5-7 minutes on each side for medium. During last minutes of cooking, place the bread cut side down on outer edges of rack to toast lightly. Remove patties from grill.

To assemble burgers, place patty on top of bread. Add 1 slice of mozzarella cheese, 1 slice of tomato and one slice of onion in that order for each patty and serve.