Italian Meatball Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- ground beef - 1 1/2 pounds
- shallot, diced - 1
- cloves garlic, minced - 2
- chopped fresh parsley leaves - 1 T
- Italian bread crumbs - 3/4 c
- grated Parmesan - 1/4 c
- egg - 1
- olive oil - 1 T
- demi baguettes, toasted - 4
- mozzarella, sliced - 4 ounces
- tomato paste - 28 ounce can
- basil - 1/2 t
- garlic powder - 1/4 t
- red pepper flakes - 1/4 t
- sugar, optional - pinch
Instructions:
In a large, combine ground beef, shallot, garlic, parsley, bread crumbs, Parmesan and egg, stir until well combined. Roll mixture into 1 1/4 - 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Yields 18 - 20 meatballs.
In a skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add meatballs and cook until all sides are browned, 4 - 5 minutes. Place on a paper towel lined plate.
In a bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and sugar. Reduce heat to low and add marinara sauce and meatballs to the skillet, simmering until the sauce has thickened, 10 - 15 minutes.
Assemble the sandwich -- place 3-4 meatballs and a spoonful of marinara into each toasted baguette. Top with mozzarella and place in a preheated 450 degree oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
Serve immediately.
