INGREDIENTS:
- 4 burger buns
- 1lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Botticelli Chef Select Cooking Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for cooking + brushing buns)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 8 tbsp Botticelli Pizza Sauce
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Butter (optional), for extra-rich toasting
PREPARATION:
- In a medium sized bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form ground beef into 4 patties. Press slightly in the center to prevent puffing. Drizzle/rub with Botticelli's Chef Select Cooking Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Heat 1 tsp Botticelli Chef Select Cooking Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the patties 3-4 mins per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Top with mozzarella and pepperonis at the last minute and cover with a lid to melt, or turn oven on broil and broil 2-3 minutes (watch closely)
- Lightly brush burger buns with Botticelli Chef Select Cooking Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or a mix of olive oil + butter for extra flavor).
- Toast cut-side down in a skillet until golden and crisp.
- Spread 2 tbsp. of Botticelli's Pizza Sauce on each bottom bun. Place the cheesy burger patty on top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if desired. Add basil leaves and crown with the top bun.
- Serve hot with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Recipe by Brittnee DeHaan