Surprise Burgers

• 12 lb beef short rib, braised and shredded (see recipe description)
• 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 12 lbs ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ciabatta buns (or any hamburger bun)
• 4 slices about 6 ounces gruyere cheese (optional)
• 12 cup short rib braising liquid, hot (see recipe description)
• 4 lettuce leaves (butter or Bibb lettuce)
• 1 beefsteak tomato, thick sliced
• 1 small red onion, slicesd

1. Toss the shredded short rib meat with chives and just enough of the braising liquid to moisten.
2. Divide the ground beef and form 8 patties.
3. Arrange 2 tablespoons of short rib meat on each of 4 patties.
4. Top with remaining four patties and pinch edges to enclose.
5. Patties should be about 1 inch thick.
6. Let rest in refrigerator for an hour or overnight.
7. Remove patties 30 minutes before cooking to get to room temperature.
8. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
9. Season burgers generously with salt and pepper.
10. Cook burgers about 7 to 10 minutes for medium rare, turning once or twice.
11. Baste burgers with accumulated fat.
12. Drape cheese over burgers during last minute of cooking, if using.
13. Meanwhile toast buns; brush with olive oil.
14. Moisten bottom buns with hot braising liquid.
15. Top with burger, onion, tomato, lettuce and top bun to serve.
16. Any additional braising liquid could be used as a dipping sauce for fries.

beef short, fresh chives, ground beef, olive oil, salt, buns, gruyere cheese, short rib braising liquid, butter, tomato, red onion

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/surprise-burgers-374101 (may not work)