Soppressata Mozzarella Burgers

• portions: Serves 4

Ingrédients

2 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® ground chuck

6 ounces soppressata, thinly sliced

1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives

2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced (buffalo if available)

4 large leaves romaine lettuce

4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half

Instructions

Bake soppressata in a 300°F oven for 45 minutes until crispy.

Combine olives, 1 tablespoon olive oil and garlic; set aside.

Form 4 patties with ground chuck. Season with salt and pepper and grill the burgers slightly more rare than desired doneness. Top with mozzarella and continue grilling until cheese melts and burger is fully cooked (160°F recommended internal temperature).

Brush ciabatta rolls with remaining olive oil and place on hot grill to toast.

Spread olive mixture on both sides of toasted roll. Assemble burgers with lettuce, burger and soppressata and serve.