Marinara Burger with Brown Rice Breadcrumbs

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir

Every pour of our Pinot Noir brings you a delicious blend of berry flavors and the romantic aroma of violet.

Ingredients

Marinara Sauce:
1 tablespoon Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil for pan
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 15ounce can tomato sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons paprika
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
1 ½ tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Burger:
2 pounds ground chuck
1 small onion, minced
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
¼ cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/3 cup gluten free brown rice breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3 tablespoons marinara sauce (listed above)
Vegetable oil, for brushing the grill rack
6 slices smoked fresh mozzarella
3 tablespoons Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil for bread
6 bun-sized pieces of Italian bread, sliced horizontally

 

Instructions

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill with a cover, or preheat a gas grill to medium-high. To make the marinara sauce, heat the olive oil in a grill safe saucepan. Add onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are soft. Stir in tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer until thick. Remove from heat, cover and set aside. To make the patties, combine ground chuck, onion, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, brown rice breadcrumbs, oregano, salt, pepper and marinara sauce in a large bowl. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form the portions into bun-sized patties. Brush the grill rack with oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and grill until browned on the bottoms, about 5 minutes. Turn the patties and continue grilling 3 minutes or until done to preference. Turn the patties once more and add the sliced mozzarella. Grill until the cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the horizontally cut side of the Italian bread with olive oil and place on the edges of the rack to toast. Remove when lightly toasted. To assemble the burgers, lay patties on bottom half of the bread, evenly spread marinara sauce on each patty, add the top half of the bread and serve. Makes 6 burgers.