Meatball Melties

I just had to bring these back. Ryan kept asking me each week if I was ever going to make these again. After all the recipe guinea pig torture I put him through, I thought I should probably oblige. 

Soooo glad I did. I had forgotten how utterly juicy these burgers are (no pun intended). I absolutely love the warm flavor the seasonings bring to the beef, and ciabatta bread has always been on top of my list (especially when it's toasted). Also, another thing this recipe has going for it is that one of my favorite sandwiches at Subway is their Meatball Marinara. I'm a complete sucker for it. With my craving for a burger + Subway Meatball Marinara obsession + husband's ever-needing desire for Meatball Melties.... I think it was just about dang time we make 'em again.

----

Meatball Melties

adapted from Rachel Ray

1 1/2 pounds ground beef  
2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs 
1/4 cup finely dried parsley 

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten 

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped 

3 tablespoons grated onion, finely chopped 

A splash whole milk 

1/2 tablespoon rubbed or ground sage 

Fresh nutmeg 

Salt and pepper 

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) for generous drizzling 

-

8 deli slices mozzarella cheese 

 -

One 15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

A few leaves fresh basil, torn

a pinch dried oregano

4 ciabatta rolls

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the raw ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, milk and sage; season with nutmeg, salt and lots of pepper. Mix it all up with your hands. Form the mixture into 4 patties (thinner at the center and thicker at the edges for even cooking). 
2. Drizzle the burgers all over with a liberal amount of EVOO. Place in the hot skillet and cook, turning once, for 10 minutes. Top each burger with 2 slices of mozzarella and tent with foil to melt.
3. While the burgers are working, in a medium saucepan, heat the tomatoes. Stir in the basil and oregano; season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the burgers on the roll bottoms, then top with the sauce and roll tops.

Enjoy these little lovers. Enjoy them well, my friends.