Hearty Grilled Pizza Burger

Ingredients

• 1–1 1/4 lb lean ground turkey
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 slices uncured sliced pepperoni (such as Hormel or Applegate Naturals) (optional)
• 4 thin slices mozzarella cheese (3 to 4 oz total) (optional)
• 4 sprouted whole-grain buns or whole-grain buns, split and toasted
• 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/3–1/2 cup jarred pizza sauce, warmed

Instruction

1. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, onion, red pepper, oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Shape into 4-inch-thick patties. Brush tops and bottoms with olive oil.
2. For a charcoal grill, grill patties on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 14 to 18 minutes or until no longer pink (165°F), turning once halfway through grilling. If desired, top each patty with a pepperoni slice and then a cheese slice for the last 1 to 2 minutes of grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place patties on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.)
3. To assemble, place grilled patties on bun bottoms. Top with basil, pizza sauce, and bun tops.