Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 ciabatta bun
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Black pepper, to taste
- 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
For the Burger and Assembly:
- ⅓ pound ground beef (divided into two portions)
- ¼ pound ground chicken
- 1 lasagna noodle, boiled and drained
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Cut the ciabatta bun in half and spread butter evenly on each side. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Place the bread under a broiler set to high and toast for a few minutes until golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
2. Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and black pepper, stirring constantly for about three minutes to release the garlic’s aroma without allowing it to brown. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Simmer for ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors blend together and the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Prepare the Lasagna Noodle
Cut the boiled lasagna noodle into three pieces. Add the pieces to the sauce, allowing them to soak and absorb the flavors. This helps infuse them with seasoning and ensures they remain moist in the final burger assembly.
4. Cook the Meat
Divide the ground beef into two portions and shape them into small balls. Do the same with the ground chicken. Heat a cast iron pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet until very hot, then add a high-heat oil such as peanut oil or vegetable oil.
Place the meatballs in the pan and cook for one minute. Flip them over and use a spatula to press them down into flat patties. Cook for another minute, then flip again. Immediately top each patty with a slice of mozzarella cheese and let it melt as the patties finish cooking. The beef patties should be cooked through but still juicy, while the chicken patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
5. Assemble the Burger
Remove the lasagna noodles from the sauce and let them cool for a moment on a plate. Begin assembling by placing the bottom half of the ciabatta bun on a clean surface. Layer in the following order:
- One beef patty with melted mozzarella
- A piece of lasagna noodle
- One tablespoon of ricotta cheese
- The ground chicken patty with melted mozzarella
- Another piece of lasagna noodle
- Another tablespoon of ricotta cheese
- The second beef patty with melted mozzarella
- The final piece of lasagna noodle and remaining ricotta cheese
Top the stack with the other half of the ciabatta bun. Let the burger sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to handle when eating.
Notes
How to Tell If the Meat is Cooked Properly
Beef patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F, while the chicken patties must reach 165°F. If a thermometer is unavailable, press the center of each patty gently. If it is firm with a slight give, it is done. If it feels very soft, cook it for another minute and check again.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the garlic in the sauce burns, start over with fresh garlic and lower the heat. Burnt garlic can create a bitter taste that overpowers the sauce. If the burger patties fall apart while cooking, try chilling the meat for ten minutes before forming the balls. This helps hold them together when pressed into patties.
If the lasagna noodle becomes too soft or mushy, reduce the boiling time slightly to ensure it remains firm enough to handle additional cooking in the sauce. A slightly firmer noodle will provide better texture in the final dish.
Time-Saving Tips
To save time, prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop further, making it even more delicious when used in the burger. Boil the lasagna noodles ahead of time and store them lightly coated in olive oil to prevent sticking. If using store-bought marinara sauce, choose a high-quality version with simple ingredients for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes