Hot Italiano Burger

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds Chuck
1/2 pound all natural ground Johnsonville hot Italian sausage
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Colavita olive oil, for brushing on the grill rack
6 ciabatta rolls
6 slices fresh mozzarella
18 fresh basil leaves
12 tomato slices

Instructions

Heat outdoor grill to medium-high

To make the patties, combine the beef, sausage, pine nuts, raisins, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form the portions into patties to fit the rolls.

When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with olive oil. Place the patties on the grill, cover and cook, turning once, until done to preference, approximately 5 – 7 minutes each side for medium.
During the last few minutes of cooking, place the rolls, cut side down on the outer edges of the grill rack and lightly toast. During the last minute of cooking, place 1 slice of cheese on each patty to melt.

To assemble the burgers, on each roll bottom, place 3 basil leaves, a patty, and 2 tomato slices. Add the roll tops and serve.

Makes 6 Burgers