Meatball Parmesan Smash Burger

• 1/4 cup cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons parmesan, grated
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 3 to 6 brioche burger buns
• unsalted butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine melted butter, parmesan, garlic, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and dried oregano in a small bowl and stir. Set aside at room temperature.

2. 2

   Stir the pesto and mayo together until smooth. Set aside.

3. 3

   Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns. Toast in a skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Set aside.

   3 min
4. 4

   Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions, about 2.7 oz each. Place each portion on a small square of parchment paper. Loosely roll into a ball without packing it tight, then press down firmly into a thin, flat patty. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on top.

5. 5

   Crank the heat to high and lightly grease the same skillet or griddle. Working in batches, flip each patty parchment-side up onto the skillet and peel the parchment off. Season the other side with salt and pepper, then press down with a burger press or the back of a heavy spatula to flatten further if needed.

6. 6

   Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes.

   6 min
7. 7

   Spoon a small amount of marinara directly onto the patty and lay a slice of provolone on top. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove from heat.

   2 min
8. 8

   For doubles, stack two cooked patties on top of each other.

9. 9

   Spread pesto aioli generously on the bottom bun. Add the cheesy patty, or stack two for a double.

10. 10

    Brush garlic butter over the top bun and add more pesto aioli if desired, then place it on top and serve immediately.