Italian Style Meatball Subs (Superbowl Party Food!)

I've lived in many places, and it seems each one has a different moniker for sandwiches.  Heroes, subs, hoagies, grinders... depending on where I've called home, each has been the legal definition of a yummy sandwich in a long roll.  I'm in the land of cheesesteaks now, but since they contain about two days worth of fat and calories in one serving size we rarely {if ever} eat them.

Recently, Redpack Tomatoes sent me a few cans of their products to try and I spotted a recipe on the back for Meatball Heroes, Italian Style.  This light and easy recipe would make great Superbowl party food for those watching their weight (or, if you'd rather watch the game than be tied to the kitchen).  I think with a few modifications, this would make an excellent crockpot recipe but I haven't fooled around with it enough to figure that out yet.

Here's what makes this recipe great:

• it's lighter than a typical heavy meatball sub, especially if you use lean ground beef (or, gasp, turkey).  The recipe says 350 calories, 13g fat, 3g fiber, and 27g protein!
• it's fast-- from start to finish you can make it in under 30 minutes.
• the meatballs tasted good if served right away but really amazing as leftovers the following day.  In other words, you could make ahead of time for even more flavor.
• you can use your favorite meatball recipe and pick up the instructions in Step 2 for a custom meatball sub.

Italian Style Meatball {Grinders, Subs, Hoagies, Heroes}

Serves 6; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/3 chopped green onions
salt and pepper to taste
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1 TB olive oil
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 28 oz. can Redpack crushed tomatoes in thick puree
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
6 Italian rolls, split (hint: always get great bread, it makes the sandwich!)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, green onions, salt and pepper.  Add ground beef and mix well.  Shape into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.  Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes or until no longer pink; drain on paper towel.

2.  Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Add mushrooms and green bell pepper; cook until tender, about 3 minutes.  Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and add meatballs; cook uncovered, 4 to 5 minutes.

3.  Spoon meatballs and sauce onto each roll.  Sprinkle each with 2 TB cheese.  Heat in oven until cheese is melted, 3 minutes. 

4.  Eat.  Enjoy.  Cheer for the Patriots, woot!

If you're new around here and hosting a Superbowl party of your own, be sure to check out this roundup of Superbowl party ideas from last week.

Okay, friends, what's on your menu for the big game tomorrow?  Share, please!

Many thanks to Redpack for sending a cool package of products to try.  As you can see, I've even repurposed the can into a cache pot for my fresh basil.  I was not compensated aside from the products sent for review, and not paid to publish positive comments.

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