Mama Lil’s Abbondanza Burgers

Ingredients

3 lbs Ground Chuck 85% Lean
6 Teaspoons Chopped Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley
3/4 Teaspoon Chopped Fresh Oregano
3/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Ground Red Pepper
1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
3/4 Teaspoon Chopped Fresh Basil
1 Medium Garlic Clove Minced
4 1/2 Teaspoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 Tablespoons of Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil
12 Slices of Deli round Sandwich Pepperoni thinly sliced
24 Teaspoons of Pizza Sauce
6 Slices of Round Provolone
12 Thin slices of Vidalia Onions
Vegetable oil, for brushing the grill rack
6 Sesame Seed Buns Sliced
6 Slices American Cheese

Instructions

Meat Preparation Directions: Combine the beef, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper, salt, basil, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Patties Preparation Directions: To make the patties, use a kitchen scale to weigh out and divide the mixture into 6 – 5 ounce portions and 6 – 3 ounce portions. The remaining meat will be used to help seal the stuffed patties. Form the 5 ounce portion into 7 inch diameter round patties and the 3 ounce portions into 4 inch diameter round patties. Place one of the 7 inch diameter round patties on a piece of waxed paper and begin layering it with 1 slice of the sandwich pepperoni, 2 teaspoons of the pizza sauce, 1 slice of the provolone cheese, 1 slice of onion and 1 slice of pepperoni. Place one of the 4 inch round patties on top of the 7 inch round patties, that you just placed the pepperoni, pizza sauce, onion and cheese on. Crimp up the edges of the 7 inch pattie to the 4 inch pattie sealing all sides. Use the left over meat not used in the patties to ensure it is totally sealed. Repeat these steps until all six patties are created. Place the stuffed patties on a plate (do not stack on top of each other), cover with waxed paper and place into the refrigerator for at least one hour so that the ingredients can gel. Preheat a gas grill to medium-high or prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover. Brush the grill rack with oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and grill until browned on the bottoms, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the patties and continue grilling until done to preference, about 5 minutes longer for medium. During the last few minutes of cooking, carefully place the rolls, cut side down, on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly and place 1 slice of American cheese on top of the burger to melt. To assemble the burgers, place and spread 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce evenly over the top cut sides of the bun. On each roll bottom, place 1 slice of Vidalia Onion and a patty.. Add the bun tops and serve. Makes 6 burgers