Turkey Burgers with Ham and Cheddar

When I think back on college, and the nights we ran out for late-night junk food, I instantly think of the Roy Rogers Double R Bar Burger. Ever had it? It's a char-grilled beef burger slopped with cheddar and ham. I mean, why stop at one meat? And I always added a disgusting amount of pickles, but I add them to everything. Since the burger isn't offered nationwide (and it's got 27 grams of fat and 1,349 milligrams of sodium), I'm giving you the next best thing! Time to reminisce!

Note: Grilling the burgers on a well-seasoned stove-top grill pan helps add that Roy Rogers flavor. Also, I made this latest version with ground turkey - just to see how it would taste. It's actually really awesome with the ham and cheddar! But, you make the call on what meat you use.... Also, for a chargrilled ham flavor, give the ham a quick sear on the pan just before placing on the burgers.

Turkey Burgers with Ham and Cheddar 

Cooking spray
1 pound ground turkey or ground beef, preferably lean ground beef
2 teaspoons minced dried onion (sold in the spice aisle)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces thinly sliced smoked ham
4 hamburger buns (regular or whole wheat)
Optional toppings:
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Pickles
Sliced Onion

Coat a stove-top grill pan with cooking spray and preheat to medium-high.
In a large bowl, combine the meat (turkey or beef) and dried onion and mix well. Shape mixture into 4 equal patties, each about 1-inch thick. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Place the burgers on the hot pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Top the burgers with cheese and and ham and cook for 30 seconds, until the cheese melts. Top with desired toppings.

Serves 4