Preheat a greased pan over medium heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill

Place the ground beef, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, tomato paste, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Using clean hands, gently combine the ingredients until they are all well incorporated into the beef, taking care not to compress the ingredients.

Shape the meat into 8 small patties of equal size and thickness.

Place the burgers on the grill or in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Top each warm burger with half a slice of cheese and serve on buns with preferred toppings.

FREEZER MEAL INSTRUCTIONS:

To freeze: Complete steps 2 and 3 of recipe. Then place uncooked burgers in a gallon-sized freezer bag or container in single layers, with parchment paper between layers. Put the buns in another gallon-sized freezer bag. Wrap cheese slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in the bag with the buns. Freeze the burgers, cheese slices, and buns together in the freezer until ready to cook.

To prepare: Thaw in refrigerator overnight (preferred method) or using the cool water method. (Submerge freezer bag with the burgers in cold water until thawed, replacing water every 30 minutes.) Cook according to instructions.