Mozzarella-Topped Ciabatta Burgers with Balsamic Greens

Take your burger game to new heights with these Italian-inspired sandwiches. Juicy beef patties are crowned with melted mozzarella and sweet caramelized onions, then nestled in toasted ciabatta rolls. A bright balsamic-dressed salad with tomatoes and cranberries adds a refreshing crunch.

This recipe brings together classic comfort and Mediterranean flair in one irresistible bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, these burgers are sure to become a new favorite.

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Ingredients

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Tomato PasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

20 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Ciabatta BreadView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Heirloom Grape TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Dried CranberriesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400°F. Halve, peel and thinly slice onion. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and 2 teaspoons sugar. Cook, tossing, until browned, 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. While onion cooks, mince or grate garlic until you have ½ teaspoon. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil and as much minced garlic as you like. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Wipe out same pan, then heat a large drizzle of olive oil in it over medium-high heat. Shape beef into 4 patties. Season all over with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until just shy of desired doneness, 2-4 minutes per side. Sprinkle mozzarella on top of each. Cover pan and continue cooking until cheese melts, about 1 minute more.
4. While burgers cook, split ciabattas in half. Toast in oven or toaster oven until golden, 3-5 minutes. Halve tomatoes lengthwise.
5. Add lettuce, tomatoes and cranberries to bowl with vinaigrette and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Fill ciabattas with burgers, onion and a small amount of salad. Divide between plates and serve with remaining salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, provolone or fontina would work well as substitutes for mozzarella.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free ciabatta rolls or your favorite gluten-free burger buns.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat burgers and buns before assembling.