1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the rest of the meal.

2. In a medium mixing bowl combine the beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning and mix with your hands until well combined.  

3. Divide beef into four equal portions and form each into a ¾-inch thick patty. 

4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the pasta sauce.  

5. Brown patties in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. For veggie burgers, follow package instructions for preparation.  

6. After flipping the burgers, add the mushrooms to the onions and cover, cooking until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes. 

7. After the burgers are browned on both sides, top each burger with two slices of cheese, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover to allow cheese to melt. Prepare the bread or buns by combining the melted butter and garlic granules in a small bowl. Brush an even layer of garlic butter over each piece of bread or bun half. Place buns or bread butter-face up under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until slightly browned.

8. Serve the burgers on the toasted bread or buns, topped with pasta sauce and mushrooms and onion.

Source: Amy Brophy & Lani Jacobs-Banner