A Memorial Day Recipe for Veggie-Topped Beef Burgers and a George Foreman Grill Giveaway (Podcast #146)

Summer is right around the corner here in New England, although until yesterday, it sure didn’t feel that way. We slogged through a long, snowy winter and a long, rainy spring, and now our fingers are crossed we’ll see the sun this summer!

It’s hard to believe Memorial Day is this Monday (!!), and just in case the weatherman doesn’t cooperate, we decided to create a veggie-topped burger recipe using our indoor grills. We share the recipe on this week’s Cooking with the Moms podcast, and we also announce our latest giveaway for a George Foreman Grill and exciting news about a recipe contest that we will be judging.

Veggie-Topped Beef Burgers

Makes 4 Servings

  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 small red onion, sliced into four (or a few more) ¼-inch-thick rounds
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound 80% lean ground beef, shaped into four ¾-inch-thick patties (4 ounces each) **
  • 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, lightly toasted
  • 4 teaspoons basil pesto

1. Slice off the top of the bell pepper just below the stem and slice off the bottom ½-inch. Stand the bell pepper upright on a cutting board, and use a sharp knife to split the pepper from the top to the bottom. Slice the pepper into 4 equal-size pieces, and remove the inside core and seeds.

2. Attach the grill plates to the grill. Adjust the angle of the grill to the flat, level position. Close the grill cover and preheat to high.

3. Brush both sides of bell pepper pieces and red onion slices with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on the grill, close the cover, and cook until the vegetables are browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the vegetables to a plate and cover with aluminum foil until ready to serve.

4. Adjust the angle of the grill to the sloped position and place the drip tray in front of the grill. Sprinkle both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Place on the grill, cover, and cook until the meat is no longer pink in the center, about 8 minutes.

5. Spread the basil pesto evenly over each top bun half. Place a cooked hamburger, 1 bell pepper piece and 1 red onion slice (* if you have extra, top with 2 slices as desired) on each of the bottom bun halves. Place the remaining bun half on top.

Nutrition Information per Serving (1 hamburger): 360 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated), 280mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 25g protein, 20% vitamin A, 70% vitamin C, 20% iron

** If you use 90% lean ground beef, each burger will have about 330 calories, 14 grams fat, and 4.5 grams saturated fat.

** According to an independent study, the George Foreman grill removes up to 42% of the fat from a 4-ounce burger made with 80/20 beef (that’s a reduction of about 90 calories per burger).

Print Recipe

Lean Mean Burger Challenge Recipe Contest: Between now and June 3rd, you can share your favorite original burger recipe using the George Foreman Grill. Upload your recipe to the George Foreman Facebook page, and you could win $1,000.00 (or one of five runner up prizes of a $100.00 GeorgeForemanCooking.com gift certificate). We are helping to judge the contest, so we hope you’ll submit a recipe!

Disclosure: We are working with the George Foreman Grill company on several projects: Recipe development, a Twitter party (which we did a few weeks ago), recipe contest judging, our latest giveaway, and four George Foreman Friday blog posts.

GIVEAWAY NEWS: And now for even more fun stuff …  one blog reader or Facebook fan (U.S. only please) will win a George Foreman Grand Champ Family Value Grill (it serves nine!). Retail value is $60.00.  To enter, leave us a comment telling us about your favorite indoor grill recipe or why you’d like to win the grill. 

We will enter you into the giveaway a second, third, and/or fourth time if you

> Subscribe to our RSS feed.
> Tweet about the giveaway with a link back to this post.
> “Like” us on Facebook or share the giveaway news with your Facebook fans and friends with a link back to the post.

Please be sure to leave us a new comment every time you do something extra, and GOOD LUCK! The giveaway ends on June 10th at noon, and as always we’ll use random.org to pick our winner.

Indoor grills are versatile and make good nutrition easy to achieve. Recently, we have made chicken kebabs, grilled tilapia tacos, grilled asparagus and endive, and even a chocolate and banana quesadilla. We plan to post more recipes in the coming weeks, so come back and visit us again.

121 Responses to “A Memorial Day Recipe for Veggie-Topped Beef Burgers and a George Foreman Grill Giveaway (Podcast #146)”

  1. Kristin on May 27th, 2011

    My husband has perfected amazing burgers; and sometimes, the weather just isn’t ideal for grilling outside (especially all the tornadic activity of late). Have long thought about getting a George….would LOVE to try it!

  2. Frieda on May 27th, 2011

    We have enjoyed our outdoor grill for many years, but lately, the rainy weather has kept us away! We would love to enjoy a lean, juicy hamburger any day, no matter what the weather!

  3. Frieda on May 27th, 2011

    I subscribe to your feed via Google reader…that’s how I found out about this great giveaway!

  4. Frieda on May 27th, 2011

    FaceBook Like? Done!

  5. Stacey on May 28th, 2011

    I “like” you on Facebook!

  6. Stacey on May 28th, 2011

    I could use this grill because we love to grill and we live in the mountains of Colorado where it can snow from October through April or May (it snowed last week…). Though we do brave the weather to use the grill, it would be VERY nice to have one indoors and not have to put on the down coat and sorrels to cook dinner for half the year!

    Thank you for your awesome podcast! I love it!!

  7. Nelly Rodriguez on May 28th, 2011

    I love grilling pork chops indoors. Less fatty and I find you can cook them even juicier!

  8. Nelly Rodriguez on May 28th, 2011

    I subscribed to your RSS feed!

  9. Nelly Rodriguez on May 28th, 2011

    I Liked you on Facebook! :)

  10. Nelly Rodriguez on May 28th, 2011

    I added you both to twitter (Liz I already had!) and tweeted the giveaway!

  11. Barrie on May 28th, 2011

    I can use al the help I can with cooking and this seems so easy and healthy!

  12. Claire on May 28th, 2011

    I love doing basic chicken breast on our Foreman Grill! I haven’t used it much lately since it’s the smaller one and our family has grown – so a larger one would be wonderful!

  13. Claire on May 28th, 2011

    I “liked” on FB

  14. JJ on May 28th, 2011

    Grilled veggies is my favorite indoor grill food! Yum Yum

    And this GF grill would be great to have for easy quick and healthy meals!

  15. LostawayBonnie on May 28th, 2011

    Oh my gosh! I would love a George Foreman grill! I’ve been eyeballing them for a long time. I can almost smell those burgers cooking and I’d love to try all your other recipes! Oh please, please, universe, pick me!

  16. LostawayBonnie on May 28th, 2011

    I’ve already subscribed to the RSS feed and love it!

  17. Karen on May 28th, 2011

    Do not have an indoor grill, just use the BBQ outside! However I have 2 kids just getting out of college and this would be a fabulous way to help them get a healthy kitchen set up! and I just ordered my new cookbook! Can’t wait to try the recipes (and see if the one I tested made it in!)

  18. Karen on May 28th, 2011

    Facebook link just posted!!

  19. LostawayBonnie on May 28th, 2011

    Share the news with my Facebook friends. http://www.facebook.com/BonnieCovel

  20. Katie on May 28th, 2011

    We love to grill, but live in the Pacific Northwest where we’ve had a very rainy spring and are unable to grill on our uncovered patio. My kids (7 and 8) are learning to cook and the George Foreman Grill would be a safer way to get them grilling until they’re old enough to use the outdoor grill!

  21. Denise White on May 28th, 2011

    I love the healthy way the George Foreman grill cooks and the food always tastes wonderful! I had one in England but had to leave it behind when we moved to the US, I’d love to win this one so I can again enjoy the lovely taste of healthy, grilled food all year round!

  22. Misty G on May 28th, 2011

    I have never used a George Forman grill, I have seen all the infomercials and have wanted one because of all the things you can make, and how healthy the food is. Thank you for your consideration.

  23. libby on May 28th, 2011

    Hamburger steaks are so good on the Forman, would love to win a larger one for my family

  24. Julie on May 28th, 2011

    I don’t have a GF grill, but I have his quesadilla maker and I love it. Living in Seattle, our best time to grill is only a few short months, so indoor grilling would be ideal.

  25. Joan Harrod on May 28th, 2011

    I would like to win the grill to make quick summer meals.

  26. Danielle on May 28th, 2011

    I hadn’t used a George Foreman grill until just recently when I went to visit my dad in Texas. He uses his all the time and is always raving about it! It is amazing to see all the fat that drips into the tray =0 I would love to have one for our family! I don’t have any indoor grilling recipes to share, but look forward to finding some to use on my new grill =)

  27. Kristine on May 28th, 2011

    Of course I love to grill chicken but I love to make a panini in the GF grill!!! Love it for grilling veggies too.

  28. Lori on May 28th, 2011

    I love grilled food but the barbecue intimidates me. I have had too many flare ups and ours is hard to light. I’d love to be able to use a George Foreman!

  29. MIndy Zeigler on May 28th, 2011

    Here is my favorite recipe to make on my george foreman which is worn out and needs replaced!
    Grilled Vegetable Salad with Feta

    Recipe By :Adapted from Ellie Krieger (food network)

    Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
    ——– ———— ——————————–
    1 red bell pepper — cored and cut into 4 pieces
    1 onion — cut into 1/4″ pieces
    2 zucchini — cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices
    3 tablespoons olive oil
    1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
    salt and pepper
    1 cup grape tomatoes — halved
    1/2 cup feta cheese — crumbled

    Lightly spray both sides of vegetables with cooking spray. Preheat a
    grill or grill pan and grill the vegetables in batches until both sides
    are nicely charred and the vegetables are jus tender.

    When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, cut into 1/2″ pieces and
    transfer to a large bowl.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and oregano. Pour
    over the vegetables and toss. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

    Gently stir in the tomatoes and sprinkle with the feta cheese to serve.

  30. MIndy Zeigler on May 28th, 2011

    I like you on fb

  31. MIndy Zeigler on May 28th, 2011

    I subscribe to your feeds via google reader

  32. Joellyn on May 28th, 2011

    I love to grill summer veges and pork chops…YUM YUM!!!! :D

  33. Katie on May 28th, 2011

    I would love to win one of these because it is too hot to grill outside here in LHC, AZ in the summer. I would rather stay in the air conditioning to grill so this would be awesome to win.

  34. Katie on May 28th, 2011

    I am an email subscriber.

  35. Katie on May 28th, 2011

    I am a Facebook Fan.

  36. Amy on May 29th, 2011

    Great giveaway!

  37. Michiel on May 29th, 2011

    I don’t have a favorite indoor grill recipe because I don’t have an indoor grill. I would love to have one so that there will be a better solution to the inevitable thunder storm that always occurs when we begin cooking out. That has happened all month long around here. If I were to use the indoor grill, I would be making grilled salmon, fajitas, and grilled shrimp, my kids’ favorite.

  38. Michiel on May 29th, 2011

    I subscribe to RSS.

  39. Michiel on May 29th, 2011

    And I like you on FB

  40. Marla on May 29th, 2011

    Like you on Facebook!

  41. Marla on May 29th, 2011

    Love to grill veggies inside. It makes it feel like summer (will summer ever come?!)

  42. Amy K. on May 29th, 2011

    Can you say year round grilling??? I live in South Dakota and an indoor grill would be awesome to have during a blizzard!! :o )

  43. Laura on May 29th, 2011

    We do grill outsite quite a bit, but it would be great to have a Foreman grill for those days when it is raining or in the winter! Thanks.

  44. Robin on May 29th, 2011

    Hi Ladies, Happy Memorial Day weekend!! I would ♥love♥ the George Foreman grill!! I’ve been on a low-carb diet…more like a lifestyle…for a little while, and love it! I would grill all kinds of things – shrimp, veggies, burgers, etc. I don’t know how to use our outdoor grill, but I know I would use this!

  45. Donita Hammond on May 29th, 2011

    I would love to win this and use it to cook healthier recipes for my family.

  46. Janet on May 29th, 2011

    Perfect for when the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor grilling!

  47. Amy on May 29th, 2011

    My favorite indoor grill recipie is my husband’s burgers. He adds A1 and other spices to it. I would love to have a family sized Geroge Forman grill. I had the small version when they first came out when I was i college. It didn’t survie all of my moods, and I just haven’t repalaced it yet. I like you on face book and love your podcast.

  48. cathy castro on May 29th, 2011

    I love to grill salmon. YUM! Thank you

  49. susitravl on May 30th, 2011

    We grill with charcoal and some days it’s just way too windy or rainy to get the coals going, so this would be great for our family! We eat more grilled food now that we are trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

  50. Teresa on May 30th, 2011

    I “like” you on Facebook:)

  51. Teresa on May 30th, 2011

    My favorite indoor burger: ground beef, a bit of oatmeal, an egg, 1/2 cup finely chopped mushroom, and 1/4 cup yoshida’s sauce (or teriyaki works great too) A dash of salt and pepper. Then make into patties and grill (or cook in muffin tins for mini “meatloafs” Yum! (Even my mushroom hater loves these:)

  52. suzanne on May 30th, 2011

    I can’t wait to grill some egglant and make sandwiches with a little melted mozzarella cheese and maybe some chunky salsa too! Plus, some avocado, yum!

  53. Tanya on May 30th, 2011

    I love to grill veggies and especially mushrooms. I would love to have an indoor grill that I could use when it is too cold to grill outside here in Colorado!

  54. Cindy Ference on May 31st, 2011

    I love to make grilled chicken breast or burgers on it, when my husband can’t grill. I have one that is getting old, so a new one would rock!

  55. Kathy on May 31st, 2011

    My husband does all of the outdoor grilling and I do all of the indoor cooking. I have never felt comfortable using a grill. I would love to win the indoor grill and be able to use it myself, especially when my husband works late and I’m only cooking for myself and the kids!

  56. Sandy on May 31st, 2011

    Black bean burgers – yummy!

  57. Rob W. on June 1st, 2011

    Did you guys get any information on the title of the book that someone was looking for on your latest podcast? I vague remember the book from elementary school as well and it sounds like it would be good to read to the kids…

  58. Jen K on June 1st, 2011

    I’d like to win the grill so I could make quick, easy, healthy meals for my family.

  59. Stacey on June 1st, 2011

    I definitely “LIKE” you on facebook and will be sharing this news with friends in a minute!

  60. Stacey on June 1st, 2011

    Just added you to my “GOOGLE READER” so I won’t miss anything!

  61. Liz on June 1st, 2011

    Rob, no luck on the book. We have not heard from anyone yet who knows the title. But we’ll keep looking into it!
    PS: Tell us about your podcast!

  62. Rob W. on June 1st, 2011

    Thanks, Liz!

    Well, I’m a 38 year old father of two… I’ve always taken the role of cook and Baker for the family and even for myself before the wife and I got married.

    I make my living as a web/media guy at a state college and, one of the perks of the job is the ability to take tuition free classes. Having always been interested in the science and mechanics behind cooking, I figured I’d formalize my knowledge and enroll in our culinary arts program part time.

    Being the Techno geek I am and having previous experience in podcasting and audio production, I thought I’d do a blog and podcast about the courses I took, the lectures I received and my experiences in the kitchen. This makes for a wonderful learning mechanism for myself and other people who want to learn more about the culinary arts and don’t have the opportunity can do so through the podcast.

    I’ve just recently started and hope folks will stumble across it and find it of some use. :-)

  63. Kendra on June 2nd, 2011

    I am a facebook fan

  64. Kendra on June 2nd, 2011

    I just bought your 2nd book No Whine with Dinner

  65. Kendra on June 2nd, 2011

    I subscribe to the Rss feed

  66. Kendra on June 2nd, 2011

    i love to grill, it’s one of the few ways I can make meat for the family and veggies (for me esp. since I dont eat meat) at the same time without them touching ewww. I live in Arizona and it gets too hot to be outside most of the year. An indoor grill would be so handy on those hot days.

  67. Liz on June 2nd, 2011

    How cool. Congratulations. I’m listening now!

  68. Pam W. on June 3rd, 2011

    I don’t have an indoor grill recipe because I have never used one but I have heard really good things about them and would love to win the George Foreman Grill Giveaway so I can try it out.

  69. Shaun A on June 4th, 2011

    I would like to win the grill because I think it would help us eat healthier! Thanks for the chance!

  70. Shaun A on June 4th, 2011

    liked you on facebook (Shaun Adam)

  71. Shaun A on June 4th, 2011
  72. anne hill on June 4th, 2011

    my favorite indoor grill recipe is lime & red pepper marinated tilapia that i grill then shred for fish tacos. i use whole wheat tortilla shells, greek yogurt, avocado, diced tomato, grilled grape tomatoes, and grilled red onions. delicious!

  73. anne hill on June 4th, 2011

    i like you on FB

  74. anne hill on June 4th, 2011
  75. anne hill on June 4th, 2011

    i subscribe to your newsletter via email
    calliope_123 at hotmail dot com

  76. Angela Horne on June 4th, 2011

    Burgers & hotdogs are our faves to grill here, and we are lucky enough to live in FL where it’s grill weather almost all the time. But when I don’t have a lot to cook, or hubz isn’t home to man the outdoor grill, I’d love to have a George!

  77. Angela Horne on June 4th, 2011

    I like you on FB. (Have for a while!)

  78. Angela Horne on June 4th, 2011

    Retweeted about the giveaway. @mkmusicgal

  79. Jennifer Marie on June 4th, 2011

    My favorite indoor grill recipe is hamburgers with seasoning! Even if it is raining outside you can still have a good burger inside!

  80. Jennifer Marie on June 4th, 2011
  81. Jennifer Marie on June 4th, 2011

    email subscriber

  82. Jennifer Marie on June 4th, 2011

    like you on facebook (Jennifer Messner M)

  83. Rob W. on June 5th, 2011

    Liked you on Facebook and tweeted about the giveaway (http://twitter.com/CulStdntPdcst).

    My reason is fairly simple — both my wife and I are overweight. On January 24th of this year, I started at close to 260 pounds at 5’11″. Realizing the severity of my condition, I started a diet and exercise program to get myself back into shape so I could see my daughters grow, marry and have grandchildren.

    I lost 30 pounds in the first 10 weeks. 2 1/2 months later, I’m hovering around 215. My wife is realizing she’s in the same situation that I was and has begun her weight loss program as well.

    Ultimately, we don’t want to pass these habits down to our children. We are a family of picky eaters and one of the things we enjoy is a nice burger — any way to make those healthier is going to be better for our family in the long run.

  84. Julie Jones on June 6th, 2011

    I like to grill steak indoors at all times of the year but I have to do one at a time on my tiny George Foreman. This would be great for me!

  85. Julie Jones on June 6th, 2011

    Fb fan
    Julie Jones

  86. Julie Jones on June 6th, 2011
  87. Julie Jones on June 6th, 2011
  88. Hillary on June 8th, 2011

    I liked you on FB

  89. Cathy B on June 8th, 2011

    I would love to win this grill for health reasons. I am battling spinal tumors for 4 yrs now and trying to improve healthy eating as much as possible. George Foreman grills do that! I used to have one, a small version but it finally gave out. This would be such a blessing!

  90. Cathy B on June 8th, 2011

    following you on FB!

  91. Cathy B on June 8th, 2011

    new subscriber!

  92. Katie on June 9th, 2011

    Being in New England, I’d love to be able to grill even when the snow is piled up outside!

  93. Katie on June 9th, 2011

    Already “like” on FB

  94. Katie on June 9th, 2011

    Already subscribe via RSS

  95. Katie on June 9th, 2011

    Tweeted about the giveaway as well!

  96. Jody Hinkleman on June 9th, 2011

    We used to have one of these and loved it, way back in college! I would love a new “family” one.

  97. Jody Hinkleman on June 9th, 2011

    Subscriber!

  98. Jody Hinkleman on June 9th, 2011

    Following you on facebook!

  99. Mary on June 9th, 2011

    I’d LOVE to win the George Forman Grill. Now that I’m going to be taking care of my 88 year old mom in my home, I’m going to have to cook healthy nutritious meals for her, so the Forman Grill would be great!

  100. Colleen on June 10th, 2011

    I love making turkey burgers on the indoor grill, and it’s great for panini’s, too.

  101. Joanna on June 10th, 2011

    I make a homemade balsamic vinaigrette and marinate both chicken and pork chops in it. For the pork chops, I grill them with sliced granny smith apples and sliced vidalia onions. This recipe is also good baked. For the chicken, I serve it with baked potatoes and a salad. I have a well-worn George Foreman grill from my bridal shower and would love to win a new one to keep on healthy grilling for my family.
    Thanks and good luck to all! I love following you on facebook. You have great tips and great links. Thanks a lot!

  102. debbie on June 10th, 2011

    I would love to win this grill for healthy cooking. You have great tips !

  103. sarah on June 10th, 2011

    I would LOVE to win this grill. I am learning to cook so this would help so much. I have never used one either but I heard many good things!! I would like to grill some yummy things for my family :) Also it may help to have my son try different things if he sees me make it

  104. Marijka Bosma on June 10th, 2011

    I would like to win a G.F grill because we love to eat healthy, and this would be another tool in which to do that.

  105. Gina G. on June 10th, 2011

    I would love to win this to replace my old tiny one from my single days! I have been using it lately to make little sliders for me and my daughter.

  106. Gina G. on June 10th, 2011

    I also Like you on Facebook!

  107. Wanda on June 10th, 2011

    I would love to win the indoor grill. I’ve never had one. I am horrible with the outdoor gas grill and since hubby works nights these days and our grill is about to fall apart, we probably won’t grill much this summer. Would love to try some new indoor grilling recipes with my 5 year old twins. Love your podcast!

  108. Laura Scott on June 10th, 2011

    I work nights and sleep days. Grilling out in the middle of the night just is not the same. I miss grilling! I would love to be able to fire up a George Foreman on the counter and enjoy the taste of a grilled burger!!

    Grilled fruit with homemade ice cream is so intriguing, as well! I look forward to winning and renewing my grilling passion!

  109. Kerry on June 10th, 2011

    Fb fan! We grill chicken quesadillas with chipotle sour cream on side, and fresh pico de gallo. So fantastic!

  110. Rose Powell on June 10th, 2011

    Recently I’ve tried to of my most favorite grill recipes, yesterday I had the most delicious SALMON BURGER, OMG, it was absolutely delicious and grilled to perfection on my G. F. Grill (the original) and the day prior to that, I had a lemon pepper, lemon & olive oil chicken kebab with peppers and onions. Most delicious things I have ever tasted recently. Although the Salmon burger is going to be my new go to…

    I’d love to win this grill because I have the original one and its really outdated, I’m trying to switch my family over to “healthier” living and just seeing the grease and fat slide off the grill is exciting and it lets me know that I am getting the best possible meal out of it. I’d love to win and appreciate the opportunity.

  111. Rose Powell on June 10th, 2011

    I subscribe to your RSS feed via my yahoo acct.

  112. Rose Powell on June 10th, 2011

    I tweeted about this giveaway!

    http://twitter.com/#!/rar1228/status/79187425921994753

    @rar1228

  113. Rose Powell on June 10th, 2011

    I like you on FB and I have shared your giveaway post on FB as well…

    http://www.facebook.com/RoseAnnPowell/posts/217707901594007

  114. Lori on June 10th, 2011

    I’d love to win the grill as I don’t have a way to grill inside right now. It would be a great way to make my favorite turkey burgers in the winter time. I usually use ground turkey, preseasoned bread crumbs, a shredded zucchini & an egg in mine. They are very yummy!

  115. Chrissie on June 10th, 2011

    I use the Foreman panini maker and it is great, I’d love to add this to my kitchen too. I like to put sliced peppers, onion, mushrooms, artichoke hearts on the grill with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and olive oil. Then I will grill turkey burgers on the grill and top with my sauteed veggie, yummy!

  116. Chrissie on June 10th, 2011

    I also like you on FB

  117. Judy S on June 10th, 2011

    I love grilled corn! Yum!!

  118. Judy S on June 10th, 2011

    signed up for emails!

  119. Judy S on June 10th, 2011

    fan of yours on facebook (Judy Sue)

  120. Judy S on June 10th, 2011
  121. Sherrill Cook on June 15th, 2011

    I love the ease of electric grilling. GF is great!

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