Stuffed Meatball Burgers

2 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 lb lean ground pork
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tbsp oregano
1 1/2 tbsp basil
1 tsp ground fennel
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
5 oz shaved Parmesan
1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
1 1/2 tbsp onion powder
5 slices Italian salami
5 slices mozzarella cheese
olive oil


In a large mixing bowl mix the ground pork and ground beef together well. Add all of the remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the salami, mozzarella, and olive oil.
Mix thoroughly.
Form 20 patties. Cut each slice of mozzarella & salami into quarters. Stack two pieces of each of the salami and mozzarella in the middle of 1o of the patties. Place remaining patties on top of "stuffed" patty and pinch sides together well, making sure to seal the outer edges of the burger patties together. Brush each side of the 10 burgers with olive oil and grill to desired doneness.

This will make LARGE burgers! Adjust to smaller ones if desired.
These are great served with grilled slices of onion and a tomato on a grilled bun.
If you like more flavor try adding some prepared pesto, or maybe some chopped roasted red peppers. Or, simply increase or decrease as needed the dried herbs in the recipe. If you don't want to mess with "stuffing" them; make the patties and grill adding a slice of mozzarella right before removing from the grill.