Ingredients
1
lb lean (at last 80%) ground beef
1/2
cup Progresso™ Italian style bread crumbs
1
teaspoon dried basil leaves
3/4
teaspoon salt
1/2
teaspoon garlic powder
12
slices pepperoni, finely chopped
1
egg, slightly beaten
16
fresh mozzarella cheese balls (1 inch)
4
hoagie buns
1
cup marinara sauce, heated
Fresh basil leaves
Preparation
Heat oven to 400°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with foil.
In large bowl, mix beef, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs, the dried basil, salt, garlic powder, pepperoni and egg just until blended. In small bowl, place remaining 1/4 cup bread crumbs.
Shape about 2 tablespoons beef mixture around each cheese ball; roll in bread crumbs. Place in pan.
Bake 20 minutes or until no longer pink and meat thermometer inserted in meatball (not in cheese) reads 160°F.
With serrated knife, cut buns horizontally in half, cutting to but not completely through one long side. Spoon about 2 tablespoons warm marinara sauce into each bun; top each with 4 meatballs, remaining marinara sauce and the fresh basil.
