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Italian Meatball Sub

Prep Time:

35 Min.

Cook Time:

35 Min.

Total Time:

1 H. 10 Min.

Servings:

5

Ingredients

FOR THE MEATBALLS

  • 1 lb(454g) lean ground beef, or substitute lean ground turkey
  • ½ cup (120ml) saltine crackers, crushed
  • ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp. (30ml) dried parsley flakes
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tsp. (10ml) dried oregano leaves
  • ½ tsp. (2.5ml) garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. (2.5ml) salt
  • 1 tsp.(5ml) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp.(5ml) dried basil
  • ¼ tsp.(1.25ml) crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¾ cup (180ml) all-purpose flour, to sprinkle

FOR THE SAUCE

  • 28 oz (828ml) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 ½ tsp. (7.5ml) dried basil
  • 1 ½ tsp. (7.5ml) dried oregano leaves
  • 1 tsp. (5ml) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp. (2.5ml) garlic salt

FOR THE SANDWICHES

  • 5 D’Italiano® 100% Whole Wheat Sausage Buns
  • 10 slices Provolone cheese, or substitute sliced mozzarella cheese

How to make

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  • In a large bowl combine all ingredients for the meatballs EXCEPT for the ground meat.
  • Stir the combined ingredients and then let rest for 10 minutes until the crackers soak up the liquid.
  • Add the ground meat and mix until just combined, making sure not to over mix.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Form 15 equal sized meatballs, slightly larger than the size of golf balls, and gently sprinkle with flour to lightly coat all around.
  • Place the meatballs separated on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • While the meatballs are cooking, make the sauce.

FOR THE SAUCE:

  • In a saucepan add all ingredients for the sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • When the meatballs are finished cooking, remove any excess fat from the bottom of the meatballs and place in the heated sauce.

FOR THE SANDWICHES:

  • Preheat oven to broil.
  • Open D’Italiano® 100% Whole Wheat Sausage Buns and layer both sides of the inside of the bun with cheese.
  • Place on the middle rack in the oven and broil on high for 2 minutes or until buns are toasted and cheese is melted.
  • Place 3 meatballs on each toasted bun, top with a large spoonful of sauce. Serve immediately.