Use a mixture of ground sirloin and ground beef chuck to create patties that aren’t too lean and dry or too fatty. For the most lively pepper flavor, crack your own by placing whole peppercorns in a heavy resealable plastic bag and pounding them with the bottom of a heavy pan.

1 lb. ground beef sirloin (92% lean)
1 lb. ground beef chuck (85% lean)
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
6 hamburger buns, split
1 cup (4 oz.) crumbled blue cheese
2/3 cup mayonnaise
6 lettuce leaves

1. Heat grill. In large bowl, gently mix together ground sirloin, ground chuck, onion and salt. Shape into 6 (4-inch) patties 1/2 inch thick.

2. Coat patties with pepper. Place on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals; cover grill. Grill 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in center, turning once. Grill buns 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly toasted.

3. Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together cheese and mayonnaise; generously spread on buns. Top with lettuce and burgers.

6 servings

PER SERVING: 600 calories, 38.5 g total fat (12 g saturated fat), 37 g protein, 24.5 g carbohydrate, 115 mg cholesterol, 875 mg sodium, 1.5 g fiber