Meatball Heroes

This was a really yummy, easy weeknight meal that Caleb enjoyed. And it made for great leftovers, too.

This recipe is from Family Circle, March 2011.

Meatballs

1 package (about 20 oz) Italian- flavored or plain ground turkey *see note below

1/2 C. ricotta cheese

3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp plain bread crumbs

2 Tbsp milk

1 large egg

1 Tbsp olive oil

Sauce, bread, and cheese

2 C. jarred marinara

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp garlic paste (I just smashed up a couple garlic cloves)

5 hero rolls

5 slices provolone

*Note: If using plain ground turkey, season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.

1. Heat oven to broil. Meatballs: Combine seasoned turkey, ricotta, parsley, bread crumbs, milk and egg in a large bowl. Mix gently to combine. Shape into 15 meatballs, 3 Tbsp mixture for each.

2. Heat oil in a large, lidded nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brown meatbalss, 2 minutes per side. Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add marinara. Cover and gently simmer on medium- low for 13 minutes or until cooked through.

3. Bread and cheese: In a small bowl, blend 2 Tbsp oil and the garlic paste. Slice rolls and brush insides with garlic oil. Broil 2 minutes to toast rolls.

4. Once meatballs are cooked, tuck 3 meatballs with some sauce on a roll. Top with a slice of cheese and return to oven to melt cheese. Repeat with all meatballs, rolls and cheese.