SMASHED MEATBALL SANDWICHES

Smashed Meatball Sandwiches image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 30m

Yield 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 ounces ground beef
12 ounces hot Italian sausage, casing removed
1/2 cup panko
1 large egg
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
One 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
Four 8-inch hoagie rolls
4 slices mozzarella
1 cup fresh basil leaves (large leaves work best for this)

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the beef, sausage, and panko. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and salt and add to the meat. Use clean hands or a fork to mix the ingredients until evenly combined, being careful not to over-mix. Form the mixture into 8 meatballs.
Add the marinara sauce to a straight-sided skillet and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. When the sauce is simmering, gently nestle in the meatballs. Turn the heat down to low and cover the pan. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through.
Slice each hoagie roll through the center, but do not slice all the way through. This will help keep everything in the sandwich. Working one at a time, tear a slice of cheese in half and place the halves on the base of the roll. Place a few basil leaves on the top half of the roll. Transfer 2 meatballs on top of the cheese and use a fork to smash the meatballs, exposing the meat in the center and spreading it to cover the base of the roll. Spoon a few tablespoons of extra sauce onto the meat. Close the sandwich and transfer it to a square of parchment paper. Tightly wrap the sandwich with parchment paper. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve.