Lasagna Burger Stack Cheese

Lasagna Burger mashes up the indulgent flavors of classic lasagna and a juicy burger into an over the top handheld meal For years I dreamed up ways to cram more comfort into burger night and this is now our most requested dinner party treat it is messy cheesy and brings every bite of Italian American nostalgia

I first made this for a football gathering and the table went silent with the first bite ever since it is our go to for any celebratory meal at home

Ingredients

• Ciabatta bun: delivers a hearty chew and holds up to all the juicy layers seek out authentic artisan buns for best results
• Butter: helps create a golden toasty base and a rich flavor always use real unsalted butter for this
• Garlic powder: infuses aromatics into the bread choose a fresh jar for bold taste
• Italian seasoning: adds herbal complexity to the crust
• Olive oil: forms the base of the lasagna style sauce select extra virgin for depth
• Fresh garlic: builds foundational flavor only mince right before cooking
• Canned crushed tomatoes: offer bright tangy body San Marzano works best if you can find it
• Black pepper red pepper flakes oregano: amplify the Italian notes
• Ground beef: delivers the classic burger bite pick quality chuck for robust flavor
• Hot Italian sausage: packs in a zesty punch opt for spicy if you like a kick
• Lasagna noodle: soaks up the sauce and creates true lasagna texture cook to just al dente
• Mozzarella cheese: makes those irresistible cheese pulls use whole milk sliced fresh
• Ricotta cheese: adds creamy richness stir well before using to smooth out

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Bun:

Slice the ciabatta bun in half Spread each cut side with butter Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning Place under broiler for two to three minutes until the edges are deeply golden and crisp and the centers are still fluffy

Make the Sauce:

Pour olive oil into a small saucepan Set over low heat Add minced garlic and a few grinds of black pepper Gently cook for about three minutes stirring constantly and making sure the garlic never browns Stir in the crushed tomatoes then add a pinch of salt generous shake of red pepper flakes and oregano Simmer uncovered for ten minutes until thick and fragrant

Sauce the Pasta:

Cut your cooked lasagna noodle into three even pieces Slide them all into the simmering sauce to fully coat and allow flavors to absorb Set aside and let them cool slightly to prevent burning your fingers later

Cook the Meats:

Take the ground beef and divide into two even balls Form the Italian sausage into a similar ball Heat a cast iron skillet until nearly smoking Add a splash of peanut or other high heat oil Add all the meatballs and cook one minute per side Using a sturdy spatula smash each meatball flat Cook for another minute then flip and immediately drape with mozzarella Over medium high heat the patties should develop a deep crust and the cheese will melt

Assemble Layers:

On a plate set out the toasted bun bottom Place one beef patty on the bottom then cover with a piece of sauce drenched lasagna noodle Dollop on a spoonful of ricotta cheese Next position the sausage patty followed by the second sauce soaked noodle and more ricotta Add the final beef patty last lasagna noodle and final ricotta spread Top it off with the ciabatta crown

Rest and Serve:

Allow the stacked burger to sit for three to five minutes before serving This essential pause lets the layers firm up and meld making sure every slice stays together when you cut in

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Every time I use freshly grated mozzarella the melting and stretching is out of this world My youngest still laughs remembering our first attempt when the burger toppled over and sauce went everywhere

Storage Tips

This burger is best enjoyed right away as the noodles and bread soften fast If you must store wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for a day Reheat in a hot oven until the cheese is bubbling This revives the crispy bun as well

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ciabatta for any sturdy artisan roll or even a crusty sourdough Rye or brioche could add a twist Turkey or chicken sausage makes it lighter For vegetarians try seasoned eggplant slices in place of all meat The sauce can be swapped for store bought in a pinch but making it yourself elevates the whole experience

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crisp salad to cut through the richness A handful of spicy pickles adds balance For a fun touch cut into quarters and secure with skewers making it easy to share as finger food for parties

Cultural Context

The Lasagna Burger is a true Italian American invention born from joyful kitchen experiments where classic boundaries are meant to be broken It harnesses the soul soothing comfort of lasagna with the all American love of burgers reminding us delicious things happen when traditions collide

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I assemble the burger for best results?

Start with a toasted ciabatta bottom, layer beef burger, lasagna noodle, ricotta, sausage patty, more noodle, cheese, and finish with the top bun. Cooling before serving helps the stack hold together.

→ Is it necessary to use both beef and sausage patties?

Combining beef and Italian sausage delivers contrasting textures and deeper flavor, but you may use only one if preferred.

→ What cheese works best for this creation?

Mozzarella and ricotta offer classic lasagna creaminess and melt, but feel free to add provolone or parmesan for extra richness.

→ Can I use store-bought marinara instead of homemade sauce?

While homemade sauce infuses more fresh flavor, a quality jarred marinara can be a convenient substitute in a pinch.

→ How can I keep the burger from falling apart?

Allow the assembled stack to rest for a few minutes before serving so the cheeses firm up and layers set together.