Tortilla Burger

Since the whole gluten-free mess, I'm constantly on the lookout for gluten-free recipes.  Not just regular recipes substituting gluten-free bread in lieu of regular bread.  More along the lines of a clever alternative.  I can honestly say I can go ahead a live my life without eating gluten-free hamburger buns.  I have yet to find one I really like, so until I master baking my own, I'll stick to wrapping my burger with lettuce or simply eating it with a knife and fork.  Then Mr. DD and I got the brilliant brainstorm for a tortilla burger.  Well it isn't really a burger in the sense that it's placed between two slices of bread.  It's more of an open-face burger stacked on a corn tortilla with lots of good things, including a fried egg on top.  It's a fun switch from a regular burger and definitely tastier than a cardboard bun. Who needs a bun when you can have a freshly made corn tortilla and all the favorite flavors of Mexican food night? 

With a crispy corn tortilla, you'll never miss the bun!

A burger full of Mexican flavor.

Top with a fried egg for a fun twist!

TORTILLA BURGER

4 corn tortillas fried crisp in a small amount of oil
oil for frying
1 pound lean ground beef
8 ounces of your favorite salsa
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 eggs
lettuce leaves
shredded cheese
additional salsa

In a bowl, combine ground beef and 8 ounces of salsa.  Season with salt and pepper.  Shape beef into 4 equal-sized patties.  In a large skillet over high heat, cook the patties approximately 3-4 minutes per side (or until they reach your desired level of doneness.) Remove from skillet and keep warm.  Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the refried beans so they are warm and spreadable.  To the skillet add the canola oil and fry the eggs, sunny side up or over easy style (until the yolk is your desired firmness.) Remove eggs from skillet and season with salt.  Keep warm.  To assemble your tortilla burger: place a crisp tortilla on a plate.  Spread with warmed refried beans.  Top with lettuce leaves.  Place a cooked burger patty on top of the lettuce, top with some of your favorite salsa, then add a fried egg.  Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Prep Time:  Approximately 10 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 20 minutes