OptiGrill Italian Meatball Burger

• 1/2 cup (125 ml) dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (50 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp (2 ml) each salt and pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 150 g each lean ground beef, veal and pork
• 4 Italian bread rolls, halved and toasted
• 1 cup (250 ml) warm marinara sauce
• 1 cup (250 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, eggs and garlic until well combined. Crumble in the ground beef, veal and pork. Gently mix just until mixture is evenly combined. Form the mixture into four equal patties.

Select the "Burger" program and press "OK" . Lightly grease the cooking plates with cooking spray. Once the purple indicator light has stopped flashing, place the patties on the grill and close the lid.

Cook until the indicator light has changed to the colour red. Spread half the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the bread roll halves and top each with a patty. Spoon the remaining sauce over the patties and sprinkle with cheese; cap with the remaining bread roll halves.

Tips: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions and peppers for an authentic Italian sandwich. Serve the burgers with a side of sautéed rapini or wilted spinach. Omit the veal and pork and replace with all beef for an equally delicious burger.