PUTTANESCA MEATBALL SLIDERS

Puttanesca Meatball Sliders image

Their just-right size and spice set these tender meatballs apart from others you may have tried. Placed on soft dinner rolls and topped with a zesty sauce, these unique sliders quickly win over a crowd. -Amy Coeler, Lemoore, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 15 sliders.

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped capers
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
MEATBALLS:
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 pound ground pork
1 tablespoon canola oil
15 dinner rolls

Steps:

Place tomatoes in a food processor; cover and process until pureed. Set aside. In a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the garlic, pepper flakes and fennel; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in the tomatoes, capers, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until thickened, about 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup cheese, bread crumbs, milk, egg, parsley, garlic, pepper and salt. Crumble meat over mixture and mix well. Shape into fifteen 1-1/2-in. balls. , In a large skillet, brown meatballs in oil; drain. Transfer meatballs to sauce; simmer, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, about 15-20 minutes., Place a meatball on each roll. Top with sauce and remaining cheese. Freeze option: Freeze rolls in freezer bags. Freeze meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary. Place a meatball on each roll and top as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 482mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.