Southwestern Burgers

Submitted By: Melody Yoder

Ingredients

• 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 3/4 pound bulk pork sausage

8 slices Monterey Jack cheese

8 hamburger buns, split and toasted

8 lettuce leaves

1 large tomato, sliced

1 to 2 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced

Mayonnaise or mustard, optional

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture; mix well. Shape into eight patties. Grill, covered, over medium heat for five minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160°.
Top each burger with a cheese slice. Grill for one to two minutes longer or until the

cheese begins to melt. Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise or mustard if desired.
Yield: Eight servings.