Italian Caprese Sliders

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb hot italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 teaspoon dried italian seasoning
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 bell pepper, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced divided
• 1/2 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 18 dinner rolls
• fresh ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 large roma tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 36 large basil leaves, stemmed

Recipe

• 1 in a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, italian sausage meat, italian seasoning, onion, bell pepper, and 2/3 of the minced garlic.
• 2 press the mixture onto a jelly roll pan, using a rolling pin to make flat and even; cover with plastic wrap if meat sticks to rolling pin.
• 3 cut the meat into about 2 inch squares.
• 4 heat grill over medium high heat; grill burgers until cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side (internal temperature 160 degrees f).
• 5 remove burgers to a platter, cover with a slice of mozzarella and tent with foil to keep warm.
• 6 meanwhile, warm the rolls by wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing on the top rack of your grill or warm in the oven.
• 7 in a small bow, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and the remaining minced garlic; set aside.
• 8 to assemble the sliders, place a cheese topped patty on the bottom of the bun, add a slice of tomato and 2 basil leaves; drizzle with 1 teaspoon of the vinaigrette you made, place bun on top and serve.