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Ultimate Spicy Mini Meatball Grilled Cheese. photo

Spicy Mini Meatball Grilled Cheese

This Spicy Mini Meatball Grilled Cheese is a flavor-packed twist on a classic! Enjoy gooey cheese and savory meatballs in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup Romano cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter for spreading
  • 4 slices seedy whole grain bread or your favorite bread
  • 4 ounces Fontina cheese freshly grated
  • 2 ounces Provolone cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Romano cheese, panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, dried basil, dried parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
  2. Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the can of diced tomatoes. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
  5. Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the Fontina cheese, cooked mini meatballs, a spoonful of tomato sauce, and then top with Provolone cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
  6. In the skillet, cook the sandwiches over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  7. Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve with extra tomato sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat level.
  • This recipe is great for using leftovers; enjoy extra meatballs on their own or in pasta.
  • Experiment with different types of bread for added texture and flavor.