These Turkey Meatball Burger Melts are basically a tender, moist, and FLAVORFUL meatball transformed into a burger. The “meatball” patty is smothered with sweet marinara, covered in gooey fresh mozzarella and baked, for the perfect hand-held classic Italian dish.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword turkey burger, cheese burger, meatballs, spaghetti and meatballs
1/2medium yellow onion, 1/4 grated and 1/4 finely minced
2largegarlic cloves, grated
1tspkosher salt
1 1/2tspfennel seed
1/2tspItalian seasoning
1/3cupwhole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/3cupgrated parmesan cheese
1largeegg
2tbspolive oil
8ozfresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
4medium hamburger buns, toasted
1/4cupchopped flat-leaf parsley
Quick Marinara
2tsp olive oil
1 large garlic clove, grated
1/4cuptomato paste
1/2cupwater
1tspsugar
1/4tspkosher
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add ground turkey through egg to a medium bowl. Using hands to gently mix the mixture just until combined. Form into four equal patties.
Heat a small sauce pan to a medium-low heat. Add 2 tsp olive oil. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Add tomato paste. Cook 1 minute. Whisk in water, sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5-6 minutes while the burgers continue to cook.
Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle to a medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Spread evenly on pan or griddle. Sear burgers until golden brown and crusty on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once burgers have seared, spoon a little bit of sauce on each patty. Cover with a slice or two of mozzarella. Transfer to the oven and bake until cheese is melted. Slide patties on to bun, sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm