Italian Spaghetti-Meatball Burger

Italian Spaghetti-Meatball Burger

Italian Spaghetti and Meatball Burger 2

There are no words or pictures that can describe how truly awesome this Italian Spaghetti and Meatball Burger is………but of course we will try!

I was home one day and I was watching “The Chew”. The show that day was about burgers. They did all different kinds of recipes for burgers , but the one that caught my eye was for a spaghetti burger. They went to a place called PYT’s in Philadelphia, where the burger originated. It looked really good and not to hard to make.

Like all things that catch your eye sometimes it’s just a flash in the pan and you don’t think about it again. I just could not get this burger out of my mind. I kept telling Tim that I really wanted to make it. After some repeated discussion, and after Tim’s suggestion that we make the burger out of Italian sausage we began the Italian Spaghetti and Meatball Burger.

Italian Spaghetti and Meatball Burger 1

The burger part is fairly straight forward. Italian sausage, seasonings, egg, panko crumbs, mix, shape into eight patties then a little surprise in the center…….mini mozzarella balls, smush them down a little bit, otherwise it looks a little funny……lol. Top with another patty and seal the edges. and grill or pan fry.

The bun is a different story. PTY’s will not give the secret for how they shape the burgers. So, I improvised. If you have seen the Ramen Noodle Burger…..the one that the bun is made from ramen noodles, they use ramekins and place a can on top for weight. That was originally my plan for these burgers. But, at the grocery store there was a clearance rack……..by the way, I am a sucker for clearance or sale items……Tim is nodding ……….It was grill stuff, and  I spied a burger press… if you can press a burger why not the bun…..made of spaghetti. Seemed easier than 8 ramekins. All I can say is, if you have one or can get one, the burger press is perfect for this recipe. If not the ramekins will work too.

Italian Spaghetti and Meatball Burger

At PTY’s they bake their buns but, I used a flat skillet sprayed with coconut oil. Worked like a charm. They are crispy on the outside and chewy inside. I must say using the spaghetti as a bun was a a stroke of genius that I would not have thought of, but I am glad PTY’s did!

To say this burgers exceeded  expectations is an understatement! They were like a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs….only better….way better!

There is a line in the movie Pulp Fiction when Samuel L. Jackson takes a bite from a burger of a guy he is about to shoot, and he says ” thats a tasty “forking” (our word) burger……..

In the case of the Italian Spaghetti and Meatball Burger we think that is true!

Italain Spaghetti and Meatball Burger Collage

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Italian Spaghetti-Meatball Burger

  • Author: Adapted from The Chew
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Spaghetti Bun:
  • 1 pound Thin Spaghetti
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon dried Oregano
  • 1 tablespoons dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
  • 4 Garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Burgers:
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan Cheese (plus more for finishing)
  • 8 fresh baby mozzarella balls in marinade
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 3 cups Marinara (heated for serving)

Instructions

  1. Spaghetti Bun:
  2. Place spaghetti in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cook until just past al dente so that the sticky
  3. consistency will help the spaghetti form tighter buns. Drain and allow the pasta to cool, making
  4. sure the pasta is completely drained (excess water can affect the formation of the bun). Spread pasta on a parchment lined cookie sheet to help cool.
  5. Once pasta is cooled and dry, combine it with the eggs, oregano, basil, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Portion the pasta mixture into 8 equal parts (about 2 ounces each).
  6. Form the pasta into patties. I used a burger press, but you can also spray ramekin cups, spray with cooking spray, place pasta mixture in cup and cover with plastic wrap. Using cans from your cupboard, place one can on each covered ramekin ( the weight of the can will compress the pasta). Once patties have been formed, refrigerate for an hour or until firm. To cook you can either lay the firm spaghetti buns on a well greased pan and bake at 350F for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown on the outer edge but with a firm bite in the center. Or you can cook them on a flat griddle or skillet sprayed with cooking spray, over medium high heat until golden brown.
  7. Meatball Burgers:
  8. Combine the egg, panko crumbs, salt, pepper, herbs, garlic and parmesan cheese with the Italian sausage. Separate the ground beef mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2.5 ounces each). Press each portions out evenly into a patty shape, making sure there are no tears in the meat. Lay out all the pressed patties on a sheet tray and place 2 of the mini mozzarella balls (slightly squeezed so they lay flat) in the center of four of the patties.
  9. Using the remaining patties, cover each cheese topped patty so the cheese remains in the center. Pinch together the edges of the patties to seal in the cheese. Place in refrigerator until ready to cook. Cook the stuffed meatball patties medium well to ensure that the cheese has melted.
  10. To assemble :
  11. Place each meatball burger on a spaghetti bun and top with Marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top with second spaghetti bun and ENJOY!

Notes

Note: I used a cut spaghetti called Fideo, I found it easier to handle and shape.

 

 

Italian Meatball Salad

Italian Meatball Salad

We all wished for warmer weather and our wish has come true! So, with warmer weather, and our garden doing very well, it was time to make salad! Italian Meatball Salad!

Italian Meatballs Salad

Our lettuce and spinach has done very well this year. Especially the baby spinach, which is the base for this salad. You can use whatever kind of lettuce you like, but due to our over abundance, I chose baby spinach.

Italian Meatball Salad 1

 The weather this week has been warm and sticky. I really didn’t want to heat up the kitchen or even cook for that matter. But, we had to eat, so I trudged on. I had some leftover meatballs from another meal in the freezer so, out they came…….but what to have with them? Since they were Italian spinach meatballs……spinach theme……Italian theme? Tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. But what for a dressing? I wanted to keep with the Italianese, and meatballs need marinara….hmmm. I made a basic vinaigrette and added some jarred marinara sauce. A little parmesan cheese and the result………….FANTASTIC!  Tim and I both thought it was the perfect dressing for the Italian Meatball Salad……like spaghetti and meatballs……with no spaghetti…..

Italian Meatball Salad 2

Now, above all it was easy. Used left overs, I didn’t need to use any thing but the microwave (I heated the meatballs just a bit). It was inexpensive (using my own produce), and best of all it was totally yummy!! So, now that the heat of summer has arrived try this Italian Meatballs Salad for a cool summer meal!

Italian Meatball Salad Collage

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Italian Meatballs Salad

Italian Meatball Salad

  • Author: Marty Bpyd
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 precooked meatballs
  • 6 cups baby spinach
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese, cut in half
  • 4 small tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
  • Ground Italian Seasoning to taste- I use the McCormick grinders
  • Marinara Vinaigrette

Instructions

  1. Place spinach on serving platter. Arrange mozzarella,tomatoes, and meatballs on spinach. I used meatballs I had left over from another recipe, but you can buy frozen prepared meatballs.Heat to take the chill off. Grind (or sprinkle if you are not using a grinder) the Italian seasoning over the top of the entire salad. Garnish with parmesan cheese and basil. Serve with Marinara Vinaigrette.

Keywords: spinach. meatballs, fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, basil

 

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Italian Meatballs Salad

Italian Marinara Vinaigrette

  • Author: Marty Boyd
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped basil
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a blender,small food processor, or a Bullet Blender combine Marinara, basil, parmesan cheese, vinegars, mustard and garlic. Pulse with 1/2 cup of olive oil until blended. Add remaining olive oil and blend until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve at room temperature. Refrigerate to store.

Keywords: marinara sauce, basil, parmesan cheese, no cook

Italian Sausage Caprese Salad

Italian Sausage Caprese Salad

Italian Sausage Caprese Salad

I can say with all confidence that Spring is here, and Summer is on the way. Having said that, salads come to mind………..Italian Sausage Caprese Salad!

“Caprese” refers to something that comes from or is in the style of Capri, an Italian island off the coast near Naples………so it really means Italian.

It really is a delicious salad, fresh baby greens, with mozzarella cheese……….I love that they have the little tiny mozzarella balls called ‘Bocconcini’, they are so easy to use, just drain they, pat them dry and they are ready for the salad. I love fresh mozzarella, but to be truthful, it’s kind of a pain to slice……..and I have a cheese knife! But, lucky we live in the kind of world where everything has an easier way.

Tomatoes and basil, along with a Balsamic Dressing make for a lovely salad. Enter the Italian Sausage……….Italian Chicken Sausage to be exact. Johnsonville makes some great chicken sausages. They are precooked so you just have to grill and warm them up. They were perfect for a salad that usually does not have meat. Adding the meat makes it a hearty meal.

Grilled Sausage Caprese Salad

Now, lets talk about how easy this is to prepare. Pre-washed greens, mozzarella balls (I already talked of their ease), grape tomatoes, a quick cut in half, basil, just a little chop or tear, and a quick grill of the sausage. A balsamic dressing that comes together in a snap, especially using a mini food processor, all the ingredients, a quick whirl, and you are ready.

This would make a great weeknight salad, since it comes together so quickly, or a nice light meal after a day of……….gardening, or what ever your weekend pleasures are.

So, enjoy the Italian Sausage Caprese Salad………..Buon Appetito!

Grilled Sausage Caprese Salad Collage

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Italian Sausage Caprese Salad

Italian Sausage Caprese Salad

  • Author: Marty Boyd
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • Ingredients
  • 3 cups washed baby greens, any kind
  • 1/2 pound Baby mozzarella balls (Bocconcini), drained
  • 1/2 pound grape tomatoes, halved
  • 6 large basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 grilled Italian Chicken Sausage
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Dressing
  • 2 clove garlic, grated
  • 1tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 7 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Grill Italian Sausage until warmed through and you have nice grill marks.
  2. Allow to cool slightly and slice on the diagonal. Set aside.
  3. Measure all ingredients for dressing into small jar with tight fitting lid. Shake and drizzle over salad. Serve immediately.
  4. Divide the greens,mozzarella balls, tomatoes between two plates. (you can also place everything on a nice platter). Place the grilled, sliced sausage on top and sprinkle with basil. Serve with dressing and cracked black pepper.

Notes

You can easily double this recipe.

Keywords: mixed greens, fresh mozzarella, Italian sausage, tomatoes, basil, salad