Caprese Burger with Pesto

Caprese Burger with Pesto

Juicy beef patties topped with melted mozzarella, ripe tomato, and basil pesto.

Total 27 min Makes 4 servings Calories 612/serving

Dietary

Nut free

Allergens

Dairy, Wheat, Red meat

This burger borrows its flavors from the classic Caprese salad, layering fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, and basil pesto over a seared beef patty. A balsamic drizzle adds tang that cuts through the richness, making it a satisfying choice for summer grilling or a weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 4 hamburger buns, split
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 8 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

  1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick, slightly wider than the buns since they will shrink while cooking.

  2. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.

  3. Heat a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

  4. Sear the patties for 4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

  5. During the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of mozzarella on each patty and cover the skillet so it melts.

  6. Toast the buns, cut-side down, in the same skillet for 1 minute until golden.

  7. Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the bottom half of each bun.

  8. Place a cheese-topped patty on each bun, then layer with a slice of tomato and 2 fresh basil leaves.

  9. Drizzle each burger with balsamic glaze, top with the bun lid, and serve immediately.

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    Caprese Burger with Pesto

    This burger borrows its flavors from the classic Caprese salad, layering fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, and basil pesto over a seared beef patty. A balsamic drizzle adds tang that cuts through the richness, making it a satisfying choice for summer grilling or a weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

    27 min 4 servings 612 cal

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
    • 4 hamburger buns, split
    • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
    • 1 large tomato, sliced
    • 4 tablespoons basil pesto
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
    • 8 fresh basil leaves
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    Method

    1. 1

      Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4 inch thick, slightly wider than the buns since they will shrink while cooking.

    2. 2

      Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.

    3. 3

      Heat a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

    4. 4

      Sear the patties for 4 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

    5. 5

      During the last minute of cooking, lay a slice of mozzarella on each patty and cover the skillet so it melts.

    6. 6

      Toast the buns, cut-side down, in the same skillet for 1 minute until golden.

    7. 7

      Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the bottom half of each bun.

    8. 8

      Place a cheese-topped patty on each bun, then layer with a slice of tomato and 2 fresh basil leaves.

    9. 9

      Drizzle each burger with balsamic glaze, top with the bun lid, and serve immediately.