Ingredients
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
kosher salt
Black pepper
1/4 c. (plus 1 1/2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
kosher salt
Black pepper
1/4 c. shredded mozzarella
1 lb. ground chuck
Preparation
Step 1For the sauce: in a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and half the minced garlic and sauté until onions become translucent, 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.Step 2Blend sauce until smooth in a blender.Step 3In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup butter with remaining minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Spread garlic butter on the tops and bottoms of buns and sprinkle each with ½ tablespoon mozzarella. Set buns aside on baking tray.Step 4Divide beef into four equal-sized balls and flatten them into thin patties. Place 1 tablespoon mozzarella on two patties and top with remaining patties, pinching edges to seal in the cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper.Step 5Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter. Add patties and cook 3 minutes per side for medium rare.Step 6Meanwhile, heat broiler. Broil buns until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.Step 7Build burgers by topping buns with patties and spooning over tomato sauce.
