Cheeseburger in Paradise

Now that our schedule doesn't revolve around our offspring, my husband and I have made it a point to enjoy our summers.  A recent guilty pleasure has been going to see Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band in concert.  A big part of those concerts is the tailgate party before the show.

After getting nearly seven inches of rain overnight, Rick and I ventured out to Toyota Park in Bridgeview to see the show.  The tailgating wasn't hampered by several large puddles in the parking lot, including one labeled "No Wake Zone"!

The show was pretty good, but the ending was marred by technical difficulties with the sound.  Apparently, like many of my friends and neighbors, Toyota Park lost at least some power.  The audience kept the show going singing Tin Cup Chalice a cappella with Jimmy leading us, voiceless, from the stage.

No Jimmy Buffett concert is complete without a Cheeseburger in Paradise.  Here's my healthy version that uses sauteed fresh vegetables to stretch the meat.   Enjoy!

Don’t Fear the Cheeseburger

2 tsp. olive oil

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

2 T. minced carrot

2 T. minced celery

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 c. finely chopped mushrooms

3/4 pound lean ground beef

3 T. steak sauce, divided

2 T. quick cooking oatmeal

1 T. Penzey's Prime Rib Rub (or salt and pepper to taste)

4 slices light American cheese

4 lettuce leaves

4 slices sweet onion

4 slices tomato

4 light whole wheat hamburger buns

Heat the oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Saute the bell pepper, onion, carrot, celery and garlic until the onion is translucent, 8 to 10 minutes.  Add the mushrooms.  Continue to saute until the mushrooms are brown and the liquid has evaporated, about 8 more minutes.  Cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, combine the sauteed vegetables, beef, one tablespoon steak sauce, oatmeal and seasoning(s).  Form into hamburgers.  Wrap burgers and chill until ready to cook.  Combine remaining steak sauce and mayonnaise.  Chill.

Spray grill rack with cooking spray.  Heat the grill.  When grill is ready, cook burgers 5 minutes.  Turn and cook 5 more.  Turn burgers again, top with cheese, cover the grill and cook until cheese has melted.

To serve, spread mayonnaise mixture on bun.  Assemble burger with lettuce, onion and tomato.  Enjoy without guilt!