Rome-Style Pizza Burgers

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 20 min
  • Active: 20 min
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (80 percent lean)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon Calabrian chiles, chopped fresh chiles or flakes

1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 8 thin slices

4 slices focaccia, split

4 ounces arugula

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Balsamic vinegar, for serving

Directions

  1. Heat a griddle or large cast-iron pan over high heat. Add the canola oil and let heat until it begins to shimmer.
  2. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Shape each portion with your hands into a round patty, about 1 1/2 inches thick. Use your thumb to make a divot in the center of each burger. Sprinkle both sides of each burger with salt and pepper.
  3. Put the burgers on the griddle or in the pan, divot-side up. Cook the burgers, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides and cooked to medium doneness, about 8 minutes total.
  4. While the burgers cook, combine the tomato sauce, Calabrian chiles, basil and some salt and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until warm, 4 to 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside.
  5. Top each burger with 2 slices of the mozzarella. Carefully add 1/4 cup of water to the pan and immediately cover tightly with a lid. (If using a griddle, do one at a time and use a sandwich dome or stainless-steel bowl to cover.) Count to 10. Lift lid or dome to make sure that the cheese is totally melted (if not, cover again and count 5 second longer). Transfer the burgers to a plate and loosely tent with foil.
  6. Place the burgers on the bottom halves of the focaccia slices. Top with the tomato sauce, arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and the top focaccia slices and serve immediately.

Let's Get Cooking!

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Midnight Chef

Hey Bobby, big fan! Of your burgers! This one hits the spot! Easy easy easy! Just a few simple ingredients. I like making homemade tomato sauce so, I made mine from cherry tomatoes. I made my burger with Bison beef, a little leaner and health conscious. I did mine on the grill. Turned out beautifully. Love the flavors, and definitely a burger to dip in or eat with some tomato soup for that comfort in the winter months.

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