Summer’s in full swing and there’s no better way to savor the season than with sizzling Chicago-Style Italian Burgers! One of the most all-time popular recipes here IGE is my Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Craving the flavor but not something quite as heavy as a crock pot meal, I adapted the ingredients and method to create this zesty, craveable burger. Juicy, succulent, and PACKED with big flavors!
These Chicago-Style Italian Burgers are actually kind of a mashup between the crock pot sandwiches and my Italian Sub Salad. If you love the tang of pickled banana peppers and Chicago-style Giardiniera, the saltiness of prosciutto, and savory melted cheese – these burgers are checking all those boxes.
Start by mixing up the homemade Zesty Italian Seasoning using spice cupboard staples including:
Dried oregano Garlic salt Onion powder Dried parsley Sugar Dried basil Pepper Dried thyme Celery seed
NOTE: you won’t use the entire seasoning recipe for these burgers so use the leftovers on roasted vegetables or to season chicken or shrimp – YUM!
Add 3/4 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning to a large bowl with 1lb ground beef, 2oz chopped prosciutto, and 1/3 cup drained Chicago-Style Giardiniera, which is a mix of pickled vegetables packed in oil (and one of my all time favorite foods!). Mix until just combined then form into 4 patties.
I highly recommend La Quercia’s Prosciutto Americano, and Mezzetta’s Chicago-Style Giardiniera or That Pickle Guy’s version. Some people have had trouble locating Chicago-Style Giardiniera for the crock pot sandwiches so definitely ask an employee for help finding it at your grocery store. At mine, it’s located near the olives/pickles AND near the tomatoes/avocados.
Next, frill the patties for 3-4 minutes per side (or until they’ve reached your preferred level of doneness,) then top with a slice of provolone cheese and let melt.
Top the cheeseburgers with more giardiniera, and a ton of tangy pickled banana peppers, then dig in. Ultra savory and super satisfying – I hope you love these cheesy Chicago-Style Italian Burgers as much as I do!
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