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This Lasagna Burger is what happens when you mix the heartiest Italian comfort food with the messy joy of a stacked burger. Juicy beef and spicy sausage patties are layered with saucy lasagna noodles and generous helpings of cheese then tucked into garlicky toasted ciabatta. The first time I made this was for a Friday burger night and my friends still talk about it every time we gather.
Ingredients
- Ciabatta buns: bring a crisp chewy bite and hold the hefty layers without falling apart look for fresh bakery options
- Butter: essential for rich golden toasty buns
- Garlic powder: infuses the bread with savory depth choose a fresh jar for best aroma
- Italian seasoning: gives that classic herby flavor dried blends with oregano and basil work well
- Olive oil: helps bloom the flavors in your sauce use extra virgin if possible
- Fresh garlic: chopped for punchy real garlic taste
- Canned crushed tomatoes: the base for your sauce go for a high quality brand
- Black pepper: adds subtle warmth and balance
- Red pepper flakes: for a hint of heat you can reduce the amount for less spice
- Oregano: dry works here for authentic Italian notes
- Ground beef: the main burger layer go for eighty twenty blend for juicy patties
- Hot Italian sausage: brings spice and classic flavor buy freshly ground or links removed from casing
- Lasagna noodle: the secret lasagna layer use regular noodles and cook them tender but not mushy
- Mozzarella cheese: creates gooey melt and classic pizza vibes
- Ricotta cheese: for that creamy lasagna texture choose whole milk for extra richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Buns:
- Slice the ciabatta bun horizontally and generously spread butter over each cut side. Evenly dust with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Place buns cut side up under your oven broiler for about two to three minutes monitoring closely. Remove when edges turn deep golden and crisp. This delivers serious crunch and flavor.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan add a glug of olive oil over low heat. Toss in chopped garlic and a good pinch of black pepper. Stir constantly for three minutes so garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown. Add crushed tomatoes salt red pepper flakes and oregano. Allow to simmer uncovered for ten minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and scents your kitchen.
- Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:
- Cut the cooked lasagna noodle into three strips. Gently slide into the bubbling sauce to coat each piece fully. Leave them for a minute or two so the noodles soak up the sauce flavor then transfer to a plate to cool just slightly.
- Cook the Patties:
- Portion the ground beef into two even-sized balls. Roll the Italian sausage into a third ball. Heat your heaviest skillet until almost smoking and pour in a small amount of oil. Set all three meatballs in the pan and press down gently. Let each side get deep color one minute per side before smashing flat with a spatula. Continue cooking an extra minute then flip. Immediately lay slices of mozzarella onto each patty so it melts from the residual heat.
- Assemble the Burger:
- Lay the bottom toasted bun on a plate. Add a beef patty then top with a sauce-soaked noodle. Dollop a spoonful of ricotta cheese. Stack on the sausage patty followed with another lasagna noodle and more ricotta. Top with the last beef patty last noodle and one final spoonful of ricotta. Cap everything with the top bun.
- Rest before Serving:
- Let your masterpiece rest untouched for three to five minutes. This settles the layers and keeps the burger from sliding apart when you bite in.
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Storage Tips
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and keep in the fridge for up to two days. For best results reheat in a skillet covered over medium heat so the bun stays toasty and the cheese melts again. If making ahead keep the buns and meat separate and assemble when ready to eat for best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find ciabatta buns try hearty sourdough or a sturdy brioche. Turkey or chicken sausage works if you want a leaner option. You can use a creamy cottage cheese instead of ricotta in a pinch. For a plant-based version grill zucchini or eggplant planks as your burger layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burgers with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon and olive oil or classic Italian potato wedges. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a handful of fresh basil torn over the top adds brightness. For sides try roasted garlic broccoli or a small bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
Cultural Context
Lasagna Burger is true Italian-American comfort a loving mashup of New Jersey diner food with classic pasta night. The first versions started showing up in creative burger joints in major cities but home cooks quickly made it their own. It is perfect when you cannot decide between pasta and a burger for dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I achieve the perfect crispy bun?
Butter the ciabatta, sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then broil until deeply golden.
- → What meats are best for the patties?
A combination of ground beef and hot Italian sausage brings maximum flavor and juiciness.
- → How do I keep the cheese melty?
Use room temperature mozzarella and ricotta, and drape the cheese over hot patties right after flipping.
- → Can I substitute the meat choices?
Yes! Try turkey, chicken sausage, or even seasoned eggplant slices for vegetarian flair.
- → How do I keep the burger layers from sliding apart?
Let the assembled burger rest for several minutes before serving so layers can firm and meld.
- → Which breads work besides ciabatta?
Sourdough or brioche make tasty alternatives while holding up to the saucy, layered fillings.