The Hungry Apple

Meatballs have always creeped me out. I don’t like the idea, the shape or the consistency. But these meatballs converted me. They are flavorful and made with turkey.  I love it when my mind is changed.

Still the same shape, so I guess I am going to have to get over that.

They make a few more than are needed for the sandwich and those leftovers are fantastic on-the-spot snack.

Gather ingredients

Assemble meatballs

Bake meatballs

Sample meatballs (the moment where my mind was changed)

Marinara

The hoagie line up

Stuff

Melt

Italian Turkey Meatball Sandwiches 

ingredients: 

1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

1 egg

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 chopped fresh parsley

20 grinds fresh pepper

1 teaspoon salt

6 ounce ball of fresh mozzarella, grated and divided

1/2 cup panko seasoned breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 hoagie buns or soft baguettes

marinara sauce (recipe below)

instructions and directions: 

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine: turkey, onion, egg, garlic, parsley, pepper, salt, 1/2 of the grated mozzarella  bread crumbs and tomato paste. Form mixture into small 1 inch meatballs. Should make about 20-25 depending on the sizes.

Line meatballs on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.

Line up hoagies and sprinkle/stuff half of the remaining cheese along the bottom of the bread. Top cheese with two tablespoons of marinara. Line with 4-5 meatballs. Spoon 2-3 more tablespoons of marinara over the meatballs and sprinkle hoagies with remaining cheese.

Bake sandwiches for 2-3 minutes or until cheese has melted.

to make marinara: 

Ingredients: 

1-16 ounce can tomato sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced or 2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried parsley

1 teaspoon sea salt

10 grinds fresh pepper or 1 tsp pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Instructions and directions: 

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Let simmer 10-15 minutes.