Steak Pizzaiola Burgers

This recipe is from the Rachel Ray Big Orange Book. The recipe is a little involved - but it was worth it. They are delicious!

Ingredients

3 Tbs EVOO
2 Large onions thinly sliced - i believe i used only one and it was fine.
Salt and Pepper
3 Tbs tomato paste
3/4 cup dry red wine
2 lbs ground sirloin
1/2 cup pepperoni -finely chopped ( i used turkey pepperoni and it still worked well).
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, a generous handful chopped.
1 Tsp dried oregano, 1/3 palmful
1 Tsp crushed red pepper flakes
4 Tbs (1/2 stick) of butter
3-4 garlic cloves - finely chopped or grated
4 slices of sesame semolina bread - i used think buns instead which was easier to fine at the store.
1/2 to 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
8 Deli slices of provolone.


Heat 2 Tbs of the EVOO in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper. Cover the onions with a piece of aluminum foil and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the foil and continue cooking until fully softened, another 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it smells sweet and has caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes, Add the wine and scrape the pan with a wooden spoon the loosen any browned bits that may be stuck to the bottom. Cook until the wine has almost completely evaporated, 1 minute, Turn off the heat and reserve.

While the onions cook, place a large a large skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining Tbs of EVOO. In a large mixing bowl, use your hands to combine the ground sirloin, pepperoni, parsley, oregano, an dried pepper flakes. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then score the meat into 4 parts (These burgers are HUGE . . .you can make 8 small to normal sized burgers instead if you prefer). Form patties thinner in the center than at the edges for even cooking and to prevent the burgers from bulging. Cook 4 -5 mins per side for medium doneness.

Preheat the Broiler.

While the burgers are cooking, heat the butter and garlic together in a small pot over medium heat. When the butter melts, remove the pot from the heat in infuse the butter with the garlic flavor. While the butter is melting, place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown on each side. Brush the toasts with the garlic butter and sprinkle with the grated cheese. Place the toasts back on the baking sheet and top each each with one of the burgers and top each with desired amount of cheese. Slide the burgers under the broiler to melt the cheese 2-3 mins.

Enjoy!

Serves 4 - 8 depending on how you split the burgers :-)