Italian Meatball Burgers

Italian Meatball Burgers combine the best of two beloved comfort foods—juicy, flavorful meatballs and a hearty burger—into one irresistible sandwich. These burgers are made with seasoned ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra tenderness), shaped into meatball-sized patties, and then grilled or pan-fried to perfection. Topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, they’re reminiscent of classic Italian meatball subs, but in the convenient form of a burger. Whether you’re serving them on toasted buns with fresh basil, or enjoying them alongside a simple salad, Italian Meatball Burgers are a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend BBQ. Plus, these burgers can be customized with your favorite Italian cheeses, herbs, and sauces to create your ideal bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
  • 4 burger buns, lightly toasted
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork, if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
  2. Form the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and shape each one into a round patty, about the size of a standard burger. Press them down slightly to flatten, as they will shrink a little while cooking.
  3. Cook the Burgers: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat or preheat a grill. Once hot, add the meatball patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C). If you’re using a grill, cook the patties over medium heat for the same amount of time.
  4. Add the Marinara and Mozzarella: In the last minute of cooking, spoon a tablespoon or two of marinara sauce onto each patty and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet or grill to melt the cheese and warm the sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Assemble the Burgers: While the cheese is melting, lightly toast the burger buns. To assemble, place each meatball patty with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top with extra marinara sauce if desired and a few fresh basil leaves for added flavor. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bun.
  6. Serve: Serve the Italian Meatball Burgers hot with a side of crispy fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the delicious mix of juicy meatballs, savory sauce, and melted cheese in every bite!

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