Italian Meatball Hero Burger

Ingredients

Burgers:
2 pounds ground round beef
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Pecorino Romano grated cheese
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 egg
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 loaf Italian bread, sliced into 12- 1/2"thick slices on the bias
12 1/4” slices fresh mozzarella
12 1/4" slices plum tomatoes
2 large bunches basil leaves, cleaned, chiffonade
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Prepare charcoal grill coals for medium-hot heat or gas grill to medium high. For Patties: Combine ground beef, minced garlic, grated Italian cheese, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, ground pepper, and water. Gently mix ingredients until well combined. Form into 6 equal oval shaped patties. Brush grill surface with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill over direct heat turning once during cooking. Grill 5-7 minutes on each side for medium or until desired doneness. In a small bowl mix together extra virgin olive oil and garlic powder. Brush both sides of your bread with flavored olive oil and toast 30 seconds on each side just before assembling. To assemble sandwich, place burger on bottom half of roll, top with two slices of fresh mozzarella, two tomato slices and equal portion of chiffonade basil. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with remaining toasted slice of bread and serve.