Ingredients:
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 T olive oil
1/4 lb pepperoni matchsticks
1/2 yellow onion, cut into one inch strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
pickled jalapenos (optional)
6 - burger buns, lightly toasted until warm
6 - slices cheddar/mozzarella cheese (Sargento)
6 - slices provolone cheese
Ketchup or marinara for buns
In a medium bowl, use your hands to combine the beef, sausage, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Divide into 6 equal size portions and form into patties.
In a cast iron skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil. When it's shimmering, add the pepperoni matchsticks. Cook until just crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook another minute. Transfer mixture to same plate as pepperoni.
In the same skillet, add the burger patties and cook for 5 minutes on the first side. Flip over and cook another 3-5 minutes. Top each burger with and a slice of both cheeses. Add a few ice cubes to the pan and cover with a lid for 3 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt.
Note: You can obviously use an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan, or flat top to cook the burgers.
Toast the buns, spread some marinara or ketchup on each side, then place a burger on each. Top with onions, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, and jalapenos. Enjoy!
Serve with Oven Baked Fries (recipe tomorrow) and Buttermilk Garlic Dressing.