MEATBALL GRINDER

MEATBALL GRINDER image

Categories Beef

Number Of Ingredients 25

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Meatballs
6 ounces uncured applewood-smoked bacon (about 6 slices), diced
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 pound ground turkey thighs
1 pound ground turkey breast
2/3 cup chopped drained roasted red peppers from jar
2/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup coarsely grated onion
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh marjoram
2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
1 tablespoon (or more) extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onions
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh marjoram
Sandwich
Fresh baguette or Italian bread
Grated mozzarella cheese

Steps:

Meatballs Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place bacon in processor. Using on/off turns, grind to coarse paste. Transfer to large bowl. Using garlic press, squeeze in garlic. Gently mix in turkey and all remaining ingredients. Let stand 15 minutes. Line large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Using moistened hands and scant 2 tablespoonfuls for each, roll meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Arrange meatballs on sheet. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap; chill. Put meatballs into the oven and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes or until slightly browned and cooked through. Sauce Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until brown. Add tomatoes, red pepper, salt and marjoram. Cover and simmer and for 30 minutes or until flavors combine. Assemble the sandwich Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the bread into 6-inch long sections, then slice in half. Place meatballs on top of bread, cover with sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Place the other piece of bread next to the one with the meatballs and sauce on the baking sheet. Put into the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until mozzarella is nicely melted. Put the other slice of the bread on top of the meatballs and serve.