Roman Burger Recipe
This Roman Burger Recipe is a Northeast Ohio-style sandwich made with thin beef patties, melted Swiss American cheese, salami, Italian deli meat, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, and Italian dressing on a sub roll.
What Is A Roman Burger?
A Roman Burger is part burger and part Italian sub. Instead of a regular hamburger bun, it is served on a sub roll. Instead of a single thick patty, it uses thin beef patties layered with cheese and Italian deli meats.
The usual build includes:
- Thin ground beef patties
- Swiss American cheese
- Salami
- Other Italian deli meat
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomato
- White onion
- Mayo
- Italian-style dressing
- A six-inch sub roll
This version follows that same idea with two thin patties, fried Italian meats, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, mayo, and a quick homemade dressing made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
What Is The 5 6 7 Rule For Burgers?
The 5 6 7 rule is a general guide for cooking burger patties based on doneness. It usually means cooking burgers for about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 6 minutes per side for medium, and 7 minutes per side for well-done.
That rule is more useful for thicker burgers. For a Roman Burger, the patties are thin, so they cook much faster. In this recipe, the beef is formed into two thin patties and cooked for only a few minutes per side. The cheese goes on after the flip so it melts while the second side finishes cooking.
For thin patties, watch the meat more than the clock. Once the patties are browned and cooked through, they are ready to come off the heat.
Why Is The Mr. Hero Chain Dying Out In Ohio?
It is better to say Mr. Hero has stayed regional rather than saying it is dying out. The chain is still operating, and the Romanburger remains its best-known item. What has changed is the fast-food market around it.
Mr. Hero built its reputation in Ohio, especially Northeast Ohio, with sandwiches that are different from national burger chains and standard sub shops. That regional identity is part of why people remember it. It is also part of why the chain has not spread in the same way as larger national brands.
A few reasons people may feel like Mr. Hero has become less visible:
- Many locations are in Ohio rather than spread across the country
- Older regional chains often compete with national fast-food brands
- Shopping centers and strip malls have changed over time
- Food delivery and newer fast-casual brands have shifted customer habits
- Some people know the Romanburger through nostalgia more than regular visits
Storage Instructions
Store the cooked components separately when possible.
- Beef patties: Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Italian meats: Store cooked salami and deli meats with the patties or in a separate container for up to 3 days.
- Dressing: Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake before using.
- Vegetables: Store lettuce, tomato, and onion separately so they stay fresh.
- Assembled sandwich: If already assembled, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The bread will soften.
To reheat, warm the patties and meats in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot. Build the sandwich with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, and dressing right before serving.
Roman Burger
Ingredients
- ⅓ lb ground beef
- salt and pepper
- 2 slices Swiss American cheese
- 4 – 5 slices salami
- 4 – 5 slices other Italian deli meat
- 1 6 inch sub roll
- shredded lettuce
- white onion slices
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 1 – 2 tbsp mayo
For the dressing
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients into a resealable container or jar. Cover and shake. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Form the ground beef into two thin patties. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron over medium high heat. Once hot, place patties into pan. Cook 2 – 3 minutes then flip. Cover with the cheese and cook for another 1 – 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Place the salami and Italian deli meats into the pan and fry for 1 minute on each side. Remove and set aside.
Build Sandwich
- On the bottom bun, place lettuce, tomato, and onion. Drizzle with the dressing. Top with the burgers and meats. Add mayo to the top bun and close the sandwich.
