Turkey Meatball Hero Sandwiches

I made this the other night for dinner with great success. We all loved them and they will be made again and again.

Turkey Meatball Hero Sandwich

3/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs*
4-6 inch hoagie rolls
3 onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp dried basil
6 oz sliced pancetta, chopped
1 lb ground turkey
1 large egg
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper
1-26 oz jar marinara sauce
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

Place panko crumbs in large bowl. Place turkey, egg and oregano in bowl.

Cut half of the onion into dice. Heat a skillet over MED heat. Add onion and garlic. Saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes. Add to bowl with meat.  Wipe out pan and drizzle with another 1 tsp of oil. Add pancetta and cook until browned. Add to bowl.

Put skillet back on heat and add the meatballs. Brown - should be about 5 minutes. Add the marinara and let cook for another 10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.

Cut hoagie rolls in half. Pull out a bit of the extra breading and put aside for another use. Put hoagie rolls on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with remaining oil. Place in a preheated broiler and brown - should take between 1-2 minutes. Put some marinara on rolls. Top each one with 4 meatballs. Top the meatballs with some of the cheese. Place in broiler until the marinara melts.

Serve.

Serves 4
adapted from Everyday with Rachael Ray, Aug/Sept issue 09
Posted by RisaG 9/5/09