Spaghetti and Meatball Burgers

• Salt
• 1/4 pound bucatini or spaghetti
•  
• For the Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 small white onion, peeled
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups tomato purée
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram
• A few leaves torn basil
• Salt and pepper
• A pinch crushed red pepper flakes
•  
• For the Meatball Burgers:
• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck
• Salt and pepper
• 2 1-inch slices white bread, crusts trimmed
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 to 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, a heavy handful
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or pasted
• Olive oil, for frying 
• 8 slices deli-sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese
•  
• For the Garlic Bread Rolls:
• 4 crusty rolls, split, such as ciabatta or plain Kaiser
• 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

To hear the recipe, click here!