MEATBALL PARM SANDWICHES

Meatball Parm Sandwiches image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 large eggs
3/4 cup grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal (if you don¿t like veal, just use more beef)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil, for frying
6 ciabatta buns, split
1 16-ounce jar marinara sauce, warmed
1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
1 cup hot giardiniera, drained and roughly chopped
1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and sliced into strips

Steps:

Make the meatballs: Preheat the broiler. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pecorino, parsley, garlic and some salt and pepper until it is all incorporated. Add the ground meats and breadcrumbs and, using your God-given hands, get after it and mix away. Do not overwork the meat or it will turn meatloaf-y. You want it loose and supple.
Using your hands again, make 6 loose patties to match the size of your bread. Heat some oil in a large heavy-bottomed cast-iron pan (or use a griddle pan) over medium heat. In batches, fry the patties until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.
For the sandwich build: Toast the split buns under the broiler, about 3 minutes. Spoon 3 tablespoons of sauce on top of each patty and top with a few slices of mozzarella. Place the patties under the broiler until melted and golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Place the patties on the buns and top with giardiniera and roasted red peppers. Cut in half and serve with the remaining marinara sauce on the side.