Cheesy Artichoke Dexter Beef Patties

Cheesy Artichoke Dexter Beef Patties

These savory Dexter beef patties turn a weeknight dinner into something special. A creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and artichoke topping browns under the broiler while cauliflower rice, kale, and dates make a colorful sweet-savory side. A fresh sunflower-basil sauce ties the whole plate together without relying on a packaged blend.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 ounces artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2 3/4 ounces kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 3/4 ounce pitted dates, chopped
• 4 ounces whole-milk ricotta
• 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan
• 10 ounces Dos Lobos Ranch grass-finished Dexter ground beef
• 6 1/2 ounces cauliflower rice
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

Homemade Italian Herb Blend

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Homemade Sunflower-Basil Sauce

• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
• 1 small garlic clove
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water, as needed
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Heat the Broiler: Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat and heat the broiler to high. Line a small baking sheet with foil.
2. Prepare the Produce: Drain and chop the artichoke hearts. Remove the tough kale stems and chop the leaves. Chop the dates.
3. Make the Cheese Topping: Stir the ricotta, 1 ounce Parmesan, chopped artichokes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a bowl.
4. Make the Sauce: Blend the basil, sunflower seeds, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Add water a little at a time until spoonable. Set aside.
5. Form the Patties: Gently combine the Dexter ground beef with oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Form two patties about 3/4 inch thick.
6. Sear and Broil: Heat the cooking oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear patties for about 3 minutes without moving. Flip, top evenly with the artichoke-ricotta mixture, and broil 3 to 5 minutes, until the topping is golden and the beef reaches 160°F.
7. Cook the Vegetable Rice: Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a second skillet over medium. Add cauliflower rice, kale, and dates. Season lightly and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water, cover, and cook 4 to 6 minutes more, until tender. Stir in about 2 tablespoons sunflower-basil sauce.
8. Serve: Divide the cauliflower rice mixture between plates, add a cheesy Dexter beef patty, and spoon over the remaining sunflower-basil sauce.

Why It Works

High heat gives the patties a savory crust, and finishing under the broiler melts the cheese topping without overhandling the beef. Tangy artichokes cut through the richness, dates balance kale's earthy bite, and sunflower seeds make a nutty, dairy-light alternative to traditional pesto.

Tips for Best Results

• Handle the ground beef gently so the patties stay tender.
• Use an oven-safe skillet, or transfer the patties to the lined baking sheet before broiling.
• Cook ground beef to 160°F and check the center with an instant-read thermometer.
• Drain artichokes well so the topping browns instead of becoming watery.
• Thin the basil sauce gradually; it should drizzle but not run.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp cucumber salad, roasted green beans, or a simple tomato salad. Sparkling water with lemon or a medium-bodied red wine complements the creamy, herb-forward plate.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make the patties ahead?

Yes. Shape and refrigerate them, covered, for up to one day. Add the cheese topping just before cooking.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes. Cook off any excess moisture before adding the kale and dates.

What can replace sunflower seeds?

Unsalted pumpkin seeds or walnuts work well in the basil sauce.

How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate the patties, vegetable rice, and sauce separately for up to three days. Reheat gently and add the sauce after warming.