There's just something so warm and comforting about a bite of delicious meatballs topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese all on buttered toast. If my husband and I see a piece of ground beef on the menu, we talk about it! I've eaten my fair share of meatballs in my day so it's time to recreate them at home for a fraction of the cost!
* Ingredients :
° 1 1/2 lbs. Ground beef (preferably 80/20)
° 1 teaspoon salt
° 1/2 teaspoon pepper
° 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
° 1 large egg
° 3/4 cup panko rusk
° 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (high quality)
° 1/4 c Italian parsley (diced)
° 24-32 oz marinara sauce
° 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or more to taste)
° 4 slices French bread or sop rolls
° ghee
* directions
Start with high-quality ground beef (preferably 80/20 which gives the right amount of fat for lean meatballs). If you employ 85/15, the meatball will be less juicy).Place ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, eggs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.I like to mix it with my hands.Roll the meatball mixture into large balls of the desired size.Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat.When the butter is hot, add the meatballs and cook for 57 minutes, turning once until golden on both sides.In the meantime, make your own marinara sauce or heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan.When the meatballs are golden brown, remove from the oil and place in a marinara saucepan over low heat.
Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes or until meatballs are tender.Cut the bread in half, being careful not to cut it across.Spread butter on both sides of the bread.Place the oven on a barbecue.Heat until butter is completely melted, then remove from oven.Be careful, you can easily burn yourself.Place the cooked meatballs with sauce on the bread and top with the mozzarella cheese.Return to oven and cook until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.Sprinkle with fresh Italian parsley on top and serve immediately with additional dipping sauce.Add a touch of Italian seasoning for zest.
Enjoy !
