Sunday 8/15 "Ale House Burgers with Red Onion Compote"

Money Saving Meals with Sandra Lee

For Red Onion Compote
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/4 cups beer
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 red onions, sliced ($1.87)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Burgers:
• 3 pounds ground beef ($4.98)
• 1/4 cup beer
• 2 tablespoons grill seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar
• Romaine lettuce
• 4 hamburger rolls , toasted ($1.31)

Directions
For Red Onion Compote:
In a medium saucepan add 1/2 cup water, beer, brown sugar, and red onions. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally for about 1 hour or until the mixture has thickened and has reduced to about 2 cups. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool completely.

For Burgers:
In a large bowl mix together the ground beef, beer and grill seasoning until well incorporated. Reserve half of the mixture for Round 2 Meatloaf recipe. Shape the remaining beef into 4 equal portions and flatten each portion. Place 2 tablespoons of cheese in the center of each and wrap the edges around the cheese to form a ball. Flatten each ball into patties. Place on platter and cover. Refrigerate if not cooking immediately.
Set up grill or indoor grill pan for direct cooking over medium-high heat. When ready to start grilling, oil the grate. Place patties on the hot oiled grill and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium. Serve over lettuce on toasted buns topped with red onion compote. (Reserve leftover compote for Round 2 Meatloaf)

The verdict: These were really good hamburgers. I am used to using ground turkey or sirloin, so the meat was greasier than I was prepared for. I used to much oil to fry them in and had to pour some out. My hubby LOVED the red onions. I also served this with little baked potatoes I made in the microwave. Total cost: $8.16.