Mini burgers that pack a punch

I was in the mood for a burger tonight but decided to skip Kellers and head to the store for a homemade gourmet burger instead. When most people think of a burger, they think a poppy sead bun encasing a skinny, greasy meat patty smothered with yellow mustard and ketchup and topped off with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar or American cheese and possibly a little bacon. Well, not my burger!

My burger tonight came in miniature form and was full of flavor that packed a punch. Simply constructed, I used relatively few ingredients but was so pleased I just had to share with you. All you need to re-create this meal is:

English muffins
Lean ground beef
Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced
Dijon mustard
Sprouts
Salt
Cracked pepper
Ground mustard
Tabasco sauce

In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, ground mustard and plenty of tabasco sauce (about 8 shakes). Form small patties and toss into a large skillet and cover with a lid. Cook until desired doneness. 

Heating the broiler, pop your English muffins under the fire for a couple of minutes to crisp up a bit.

Assemble your mini burgers by spreading a thick layer of Dijon mustard on both top and bottom muffins. On the bottom muffin, layer on a nice base of sprouts then nestle in your beef patty. Top it all off with a slice of Gruyere cheese and sandwich with the top muffin.

This burger works so well because of all the powerful flavors playing off each other. Gruyere cheese is pungent, Dijon mustard is incredibly spicy and deep in its flavor and the Tabasco sauce, well, that just gives the meat a nice kick. Together, encased by a simple English muffin with sprouts, well, this combo just works.  Pair with a mild couscous and freshly snipped chives and your meal is done. Add a little interest to the couscous by adding in a splash of white wine and enjoy your meal!