Italian-Style Cheeseburger (Print Format)
Juicy beef patties with melted cheese and savory Italian meat sauce on toasted buns for a hearty meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Meat and Seasoning
01 -
1 lb ground beef
02 -
1 teaspoon salt
03 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Sauce
04 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
05 -
½ onion, finely chopped
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 cup crushed tomatoes
08 -
1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
11 -
4 burger buns
12 -
4 slices mozzarella or cheddar cheese
13 -
2 to 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
14 -
Fresh basil or parsley, optional
# Steps:
01 -
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
02 -
Divide ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each into round patties slightly larger than the buns. Season both sides liberally with salt and black pepper.
03 -
Heat skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until juicy and browned. In the last minute, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover briefly to melt the cheese.
04 -
Toast the buns lightly in a pan or oven until golden brown to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
05 -
Place each cheesy patty on the bottom bun. Spoon warm Italian meat sauce over the cheese. Drizzle with tomato ketchup and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if using. Top with the bun and serve immediately.
# Tips:
01 -
Use fresh ingredients to maintain vibrant flavors. Avoid over-handling beef to keep patties tender. Adjust sauce seasoning at the end for best taste.
02 -
Leftover meat sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Burgers are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for 2 days and reheated gently.