Aunt Jo'S Burgers Italiano
A savory Italian-inspired burger featuring seasoned ground beef, Romano cheese, and herbs, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place roast in oven and cook for 1 hour.
- Turn oven off and keep the door closed.
- Forty-five minutes before serving, turn the oven to 300°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a juicier burger, you can substitute the ground round with ground chuck. If you're out of Romano cheese, Parmesan can work well too. To enhance the flavor, try adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients to keep the burgers tender. Consider serving with a side of Spinach Fettucini for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers are delicious served on toasted buns with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion. Pair them with a side salad or crispy fries for a complete meal. You might also enjoy them alongside Pignolatti or a refreshing Italian pasta salad for a delightful summer picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. If you have leftover patties, they can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Jo'S Burgers Italiano contains roughly 446 calories, with 41g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just form the patties before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. If you want to freeze them, shape the patties, then wrap individually and freeze for later use.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your mixture. This works well for binding the ingredients together.
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
To ensure your burgers are safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, you can cut one open to check that the center is no longer pink and the juices run clear. This is especially important when using ground beef.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).