Ingredients for Hot Or Not Hot Italian Meatball Sandwiches
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Ground Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- not used; 2 tablespoons olive oil used instead
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 4 whole cloves
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1-2 banana peppers
- as needed for 4-8 sandwiches (e.g., 4-8 kaiser rolls or ciabatta bread)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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How to Make Hot Or Not Hot Italian Meatball Sandwiches
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 8 meatballs of uniform size.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker.
- Remove all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet.
- If using extra-lean meat, add enough olive oil to reach 1 tablespoon.
- Peel and slice 1-2 banana peppers (adjust to your spice preference). Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is blackened.
- Add 1 medium onion (chopped) and 2 celery stalks (chopped) to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Add 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 whole cloves to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in 28 ounces (one 28-ounce can) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup dry red wine, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by about 1/3.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare your kaiser rolls or ciabatta bread.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, place 1-2 meatballs on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the sauce generously over the meatballs.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve immediately, with a small bowl of roasted banana peppers and grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add to taste.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
47 g
Sugar
39g
Fat
31g
Carbs
18g
