Meatball Burger on a Ciabatta Roll
This hearty Meatball Burger blends the nostalgic flavors of Italian meatballs with the satisfying form of a burger. Made from a flavorful mix of pork, beef, and veal, these patties are pan-seared, slow-simmered in tomato sauce, and finished with melted cheese on a toasted ciabatta roll. It’s comfort food elevated—perfect for a cozy dinner or a gourmet sandwich night.
Ingredients
For the Meatball Patties:
For the Sauce:
To Serve:
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread Mixture
Place the bread pieces in a large bowl. Add the milk, egg, grated cheese, minced garlic, and chopped basil. Mix until fully combined and the bread is softened.
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Add the Meats
Add the ground pork, beef, and veal to the bowl. Mix gently with a fork, just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
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Shape the Patties
Scoop about two heaping spoonfuls of the mixture and roll into a ball. Flatten slightly into a thick, burger-shaped patty.
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Brown the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Fry the patties for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
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Sauté the Onions
In the same pan, add chopped onions. Sauté over medium heat until translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Tip: add a pinch of salt to draw out moisture faster.
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Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the red wine and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Add the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and the optional cheese rind. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer the Patties
Return the patties to the sauce. Lower the heat to very low, cover partially, and let simmer for 1½ hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Broil the Sandwich
Place one patty on the bottom half of a ciabatta roll. Top with a slice of cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Plate and Serve
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the sauce onto a serving plate. Place the sandwich on top. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, saucy flavors.
