Gennaro’s Meatball Sandwiches Recipe

This Gennaro’s meatball sandwiches recipe is a juicy and hearty dish, which is made with beef and pork and roasted red peppers. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Gennaro’s Meatball Sandwiches Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 100g stale ciabatta
• 80g mortadella
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
• ½ a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked
• 400g beef mince
• 400g pork mince
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 30g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• olive oil
• 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ a fresh red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 x 450g jar of roasted red peppers, in brine
• 50ml white wine
• 2 x 400g tins plum tomatoes
• balsamic vinegar

To Assemble:

• 150g smoked mozzarella
• 12 soft bread rolls

How To Make Gennaro’s Meatball Sandwiches

1. Make the meatball mix: Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF/gas 7. Cut the crusts off the ciabatta, tear it into chunks, and soak it in a bowl of cold water. Meanwhile, finely slice the mortadella, 2 garlic cloves, and the parsley leaves. Place them in a large bowl with the beef and pork mince, eggs, and grated Parmesan.
2. Shape and bake the meatballs: Squeeze all the water out of the soaked bread and add it to the bowl. With wet hands, scrunch and mix everything together, season well, then divide and roll into 12 equal-sized balls. Place in a large roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden.
3. Start the tomato sauce: While the meatballs bake, finely chop the remaining garlic, the onion, and the chilli. Drain and finely chop the roasted peppers, reserving the brine. Once the meatballs are golden, place the roasting tray directly over a low heat on the hob.
4. Combine sauce and meatballs: Add the wine to the tray and let it bubble away. Stir in the onion, garlic, and chilli and cook for a few minutes until golden. Stir in the chopped peppers and their brine, and the plum tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Season and add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
5. Finish cooking: Return the tray to the hot oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Melt the cheese and serve: Cut the mozzarella into 12 slices. Carefully place a slice on top of each meatball and return the tray to the oven for one more minute, or until the cheese is melted. Open out the bread rolls, fill each with a cheesy meatball, spoon over plenty of the tomato sauce, and serve.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep the meatballs moist? Soaking the stale bread in water before adding it to the meat mixture is the secret. The bread acts like a sponge, holding moisture and keeping the meatballs incredibly tender and juicy.
• Can I use just one type of meat? Yes, you can use all beef or all pork, but the classic combination of both provides the best balance of rich flavor and tender texture.
• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely. The meatballs and sauce are perfect for making a day in advance. The flavors will be even better. Simply store in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.
• What if I don’t have mortadella? You can omit the mortadella if you can’t find it, or substitute it with an equal amount of finely chopped prosciutto or good-quality cooked ham.

What To Serve With Meatball Sandwiches

These hearty sandwiches are a complete meal, but they are also delicious with:

• A simple green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette
• Crispy potato wedges or french fries
• A side of pickled peppers or onions

How To Store Leftover Meatballs

• Refrigerate: Store the cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The sauce is also delicious served over pasta.

Meatball Sandwiches Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 38g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Mountain Meatballs Recipe
• Simple Meatballs Recipe
• Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Lamb Meatballs