Italian-Style Ciabatta Cheeseburgers with Balsamic Greens

These Italian-inspired cheeseburgers bring together the best of both worlds: a classic juicy patty and the flavors of Italy. Toasted ciabatta rolls are piled high with mozzarella-topped beef, sweet caramelized onions and a tangy balsamic salad. It’s a sophisticated twist on a family favorite that everyone will love.

The secret is in the details-caramelizing the onions with a touch of sugar, using a simple balsamic vinaigrette to dress the greens and tomatoes and letting the mozzarella melt perfectly over the patties. Serve the extra salad on the side for a complete meal that feels special any night of the week.

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Ingredients

20 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Ciabatta BreadView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Mixed GreensView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Tomato PasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Grape TomatoesView 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 the red onion. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and 2 teaspoons sugar. Cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and caramelized, 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. While the onion cooks, mince or grate the garlic until you have about ½ teaspoon. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil and the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. (You may have extra tomato paste and vinegar; adjust to taste.)
3. Wipe out the same pan. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Shape the ground beef into 4 patties and season all over with salt and pepper. Cook until just shy of desired doneness, 2-4 minutes per side. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over each patty. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts, about 1 minute more.
4. While the burgers cook, split the ciabatta rolls in half. Toast them in the oven or toaster oven until golden, 3-5 minutes.
5. Halve the grape tomatoes lengthwise. Add the mixed greens and tomatoes to the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Place each burger on a bottom ciabatta half. Top with caramelized onions and a small amount of the dressed salad. Close with the top half. Divide among plates and serve with the remaining salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, provolone or fresh mozzarella slices work well as substitutes.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the caramelized onions and vinaigrette ahead. Cook the patties just before serving for best results.

What can I serve with these burgers?

The balsamic salad on the side is perfect, but you can also add roasted potatoes or a simple pasta salad.