Burgers à La Pizzaiola Recipes

MEATBALLS A LA PIZZAIOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Dice the smoked mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside. In a food processor, pulse the shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until blended. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the beef and pork and, using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until combined. Form into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch meatballs. Insert 1 cube smoked mozzarella into the center of each meatball and form the meat around it, enclosing the cheese. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour equal parts olive oil and vegetable oil to fill the pan halfway. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 350 degrees F. In batches, fry the meatballs until dark brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Place the fried meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Put in the oven and bake until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly, then serve immediately with marinara sauce, if desired.
• Photograph by Joseph DeLeo

MEATBALLS A LA PIZZAIOLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray. Set aside.
• In a food processor, pulse together the shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, and salt. Process until blended. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the beef and pork and, using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Form the mixture into 36 equal-size meatballs (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter).
• Insert 1 cube smoked mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball and form the meat around it, completely enclosing the cheese.
• In a large nonstick skillet, heat half the oil over medium heat. Add half of the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining oil and meatballs.
• Place the browned meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes for medium doneness. Set aside to cool slightly, and serve with warm marinara sauce.

PIZZA BURGERS I

Steps:

• Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain excess fat. Stir in pizza sauce, and heat through. Spoon onto buns and top with cheese. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or until cheese is melted.

GRILLED PIZZA BURGERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into four patties., Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Top burgers with cheese; cover and grill 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve on muffins with pizza sauce.

STEAK PIZZAIOLA BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pan over med-high heat.
• Add in onions and season with salt and pepper.
• Cover the onions with a piece of foil and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue cooking until fully softened, about 5-6 minutes.
• Add in the tomato paste; cook/stir occasionally, until it smells sweet and has caramelized, 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the wine and scrape the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits that may be stuck to the bottom.
• Cook until the wine has almost completely evaporated, 1 minute; turn off the heat and reserve.
• While the onions cook, place a big skillet over med-high heat with the remaining tablespoon of oil.
• In a big mixing bowl, use your hands to combine the ground sirloin, pepperoni, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
• Season the meat with salt and pepper, then score the meat into 4 parts using the side of your hand.
• Form 4 large patties thinner in the center than at the edges for even cooking and to prevent the burgers from bulging.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
• Preheat the broiler.
• While the burgers are cooking, heat the butter and garlic together in a small pot over medium heat.
• When the butter melts, remove the pot from the heat to infuse the butter with the garlic flavor.
• While the butter is melting, place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown on each side.
• Brush the toasts with the garlic butter and sprinkle with the grated cheese.
• Place the toasts back on the baking sheet and top each with one burger.
• Divide the onion mixture among the four burgers and top each one with two slices of cheese.
• Slide the burgers under the broiler to melt the cheese, 2-3 minutes.
• Serve the burgers with a knife and fork, and with your favorite salad on the side.

PIZZAIOLA BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat the grill.
• Meanwhile, prepare the burger mixture. Turn on a food processor fitted with metal blades and drop three of the garlic clove halves and the basil leaves through the feed tube to chop them finely. Stop the machine, scrape down the sides of the work bowl, and add the ground beef, Parmesan, tomato paste, oregano, and sugar. Pulse the machine on and off several times until the ingredients are well mixed. With clean hands, form the mixture into four equal circular patties about 3/4 inch thick. Set the patties aside on a plate. Wash your hands and then brush the cut sides of the rolls with the olive oil.
• Carefully oil the grill rack. Put the burgers on the grill and cook until done medium well, 12 to 14 minutes, turning once. During the last 2 minutes or so, put the roll halves oiled sides down on the grill to toast until golden.
• Quickly rub the toasted side of each roll half lightly with the cut side of the remaining garlic clove half. Place a burger on the bottom half of each roll and serve with condiments for guests to add to taste.