Bacon-Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers

Bacon-Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers

 Serves: 4

 Source: Taste of Home August/September 2010

These loaded burgers are one hearty meal in a bun. They're sure to satisfy the biggest appetites. —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California

Ingredients:

1 -1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

 1 package Cream cheese, softened (3 ounces)

1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese

1/3 cup bacon bits

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

4 whole wheat hamburger buns split

 1/4 cup mayonnaise

4 romaine leaves

1 medium tomato sliced

Instructions:

Shape beef into eight thin patties. Combine the cream cheese, blue cheese and bacon bits; spoon onto the center of four patties. Top with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal. Combine the salt, garlic powder and pepper; sprinkle over patties.

Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms in oil until tender. Stir in water and mustard.

Serve burgers on buns with mayonnaise, romaine, tomato and mushroom mixture.

Yield: 4 servings.