Creamy Spinach Beef Burgers

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven, then preheat to 450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch-wide wedges. Peel 1 clove of garlic; using a zester, finely grate into a paste (or use the small side of a box grater). Halve the buns.

Place the potato wedges in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and half the spice blend. Toss to coat. Reserving the bowl, transfer to a sheet pan and arrange in an even layer, skin side down. Roast 21 to 23 minutes, or until browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven. 

Meanwhile, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the spinach; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until wilted. Transfer to a strainer; hold or rest the strainer over a bowl. Using a spoon, press down on the cooked spinach to release as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid, then transfer the spinach to the bowl. Add the mascarpone, half the parmesan, as much of the garlic paste as you’d like, and as much of the hot sauce as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan.

Place the beef and remaining spice blend in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper; gently mix to combine. Form the mixture into two 1/2-inch-thick patties. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the patties. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side (flipping carefully, as the oil may splatter), or until browned and cooked through.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a work surface. Carefully drain off and discard any excess oil from the pan.

*An instant read thermometer should register 160°F.

Add the buns, cut side down, to the pan of reserved fond. Toast on medium-high 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a work surface. 

Transfer the roasted potatoes to the reserved bowl. Add the remaining parmesan; stir to coat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Assemble the burgers using the toasted buns, cooked patties, and creamy spinach. Serve the burgers with the finished potatoes on the side. Enjoy!