Lasagna Burger Italian American Dream (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Buns & Seasoning

01 - 2 ciabatta buns
02 - 30 g unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 g garlic powder
04 - 2 g Italian seasoning

→ Tomato Sauce

05 - 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
06 - 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
07 - 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 g black pepper, freshly ground
09 - 1 g red pepper flakes
10 - 2 g dried oregano
11 - 2 g salt

→ Meat & Cheese

12 - 200 g ground beef (80% lean)
13 - 100 g hot Italian sausage, casing removed
14 - 120 g mozzarella cheese, sliced
15 - 80 g ricotta cheese

→ Pasta

16 - 2 cooked lasagna noodles

→ For Searing

17 - 15 ml neutral high-heat oil

# Instructions:

01 - Slice ciabatta buns in half horizontally. Spread cut sides with softened butter, then evenly sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Arrange buns cut side up and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
02 - Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and black pepper, stirring for 3 minutes to infuse flavors. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
03 - Cut each cooked lasagna noodle into three equal pieces. Add noodle pieces to the simmering sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Let noodles absorb sauce, then set aside to cool slightly.
04 - Divide ground beef into two equal portions; shape each into a ball. Form Italian sausage into a separate ball. Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add a splash of high-heat oil. Add meatballs and sear for 1 minute per side. Using a spatula, smash into patties. Cook for 1 more minute, then flip and immediately top with mozzarella cheese. Allow cheese to melt as patties finish cooking.
05 - Place a toasted ciabatta base on each plate. Top with a beef patty, followed by a sauce-drenched lasagna noodle piece and a spoonful of ricotta cheese. Add the sausage patty, another noodle, and more ricotta. Top with the final beef patty, last lasagna noodle, and a final layer of ricotta cheese. Cap with the ciabatta crown.
06 - Let the assembled burger rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Toast buns until deeply golden for optimal structure. Melt cheese from room temperature for smooth coverage. Allow the stacked layers to rest before slicing for clean presentation.
02 - For variation, substitute ciabatta with sourdough or brioche, or replace sausage with turkey or chicken alternatives to lighten the dish. Vegetarian options include grilled, seasoned eggplant slices. Sprinkle with parmesan for added flavor.