spicy beef and bean burgers

INGREDIENTS

1   slightly beaten egg white

1/2 15  ounce can (3/4 cup) pinto beans, drained and mashed

1/4  cup soft whole wheat bread crumbs

1/4  cup finely chopped celery

1   tablespoon canned diced green chili peppers or 1 teaspoon chopped canned jalapeno peppers

1/8  teaspoon garlic powder

1   pound lean ground beef

4  8  inches flour tortillas, halved

8   lettuce leaves

1   cup salsa

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl combine egg white, beans, bread crumbs, celery, chili peppers, and garlic powder. Add ground beef, mix well.

2. Shape meat mixture into eight 1/2-inch-thick oval burgers.

3. Place burgers on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 12 to 14 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in side of burger registers 160 degrees F, turning once.

4. To serve, place a lettuce leaf and a burger in the center of each tortilla half. Top with 1 tablespoon of the salsa. Bring ends of tortilla up and over burger. Top with another tablespoon salsa. Makes 8 servings.

Make Ahead Tip

Prepare burgers but do not cook. Wrap burgers individually in freezer paper or foil and place in airtight freezer container or plastic freezer bag. Seal, label, and freeze uncooked meat patties. To use, thaw completely in refrigerator overnight. Cook as directed above.