Grilled Italian Burgers

Serves 4

1½ pounds ground beef

6 ounces Italian sausage, hot or mild (casings removed)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 (½-inch thick) slices yellow onion

2 large Portobello (Portabella) mushrooms

4 hamburger buns (sliced in half)

4 slices mozzarella cheese

 

Italian Burger Sauce:

¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus extra for brushing)

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons tomato sauce

½ cup finely chopped scallions

2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot

2 cloves garlic (minced)

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon prepared horseradish

2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon celery seeds

Salt and pepper (to taste)

 

1. Preheat grill.
2. To prepare sauce, combine all ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a large bowl, combine beef, sausage, garlic, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic salt, and pepper. Blend ingredients to combine. Form into 4 (¾-1-inch thick) patties.
4. Grill each hamburger bun until lightly toasted, approximately 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate.
5. Brush onions and mushrooms with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and golden, approximately 5 minutes per side for onions, and approximately 7 minutes per side for mushrooms. Transfer to a plate. Slice mushrooms.
6. Arrange patties on hot, oiled grill grate. Cook until thoroughly done, approximately 10-12 minutes over direct high heat. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with a slice of cheese.
7. Evenly spread sauce over insides of each toasted bun. Place a grilled patty on each bottom bun. Top with grilled onions, mushrooms, and other half of bun. Serve immediately.