Open-Faced Grilled Caesar Burgers

I'm going against the grain today with this meaty Monday post. Last week my fiance flew out to Indiana to help his sister drive out west where she will be starting a summer internship in California today. She spent the past week with us in Arizona, where we took her to some of our favorite restaurants, went bridesmaid dress shopping, binge-watched the entire season of "Grace and Frankie" on Netflix, and she even took home 1st place in our 3rd annual bocce ball tournament. And today is her birthday! Amidst all of the excitement, we chose one night to lay low and make dinner at home, since they did just drive across the country and all. These open-faced burgers were a great call, and they're totally healthy 'cuase they're topped with salad. Smothered in caesar dressing. Whoops. Oh, and don't forget about the bottle of wine and the Dairy Queen blizzards we had as well.

Open-Faced Grilled Caesar Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf french bread, halved lengthwise
• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 2 lb. ground beef (I use 85/15)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/3 cup caesar dressing

Preheat grill over high flame, about 400 degrees. 

In a bowl, toss together the romaine and the caesar dressing. Place in the fridge until ready to serve. 

In a medium bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Mix to combine, but be mindful not to over-mix the meat. Form into 4 even-sized burger patties.

Grill the burgers for a couple of minutes before flipping to the other side for 1-2 minutes more, for medium, longer for more done-ness.

Remove the burgers from the heat and allow to rest for a couple of minutes while you grill the bread. Slather the melted butter on the cut-side of the bread and grill until lightly crisp and warm. Cut into fourths. Top with the cooked burgers and caesar salad. Serve warm.

Happy Birthday Rachel!!