Supreme Pizza Meatballs

By Susan52

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian Sausage, out of casing
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 6 oz. pepperoni, finely diced in processor
• 2 slices bread, finely diced in processor
• 2 handfuls sliced mushrooms, finely diced in processor
• 1/2 red pepper, finely diced in processor
• 1/4 large red onion, finely diced in processor
• 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. fennel seed
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 handful Parmesan cheese
• Marina Sauce
• 2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 8-10 fresh basil leaves, whole
• 2 cloves garlic minced, I use 2 frozen garlic cubes from Trader Joe’s
• 1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley
• 28 ounce can ground peeled tomatoes
• Kosher salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 -1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional but good

Details

Servings 36
Preparation time 30mins
Adapted from bigredkitchen.com

Preparation

Step 1

After dicing the stated ingredients in the food processor, place the entire list of ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. I used my very clean hands. Roll into 1 inch balls.

Bake in 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Makes about 36 meatballs. Let cool completely and place 3 on a wooden skewer. Roll each skewer of meatballs in sauce, shake off excess, and freeze on trays.

Once frozen, wrap each one in waxed paper. (If you are using jarred sauce, simply dip the entire skewer in the jar). Place the leftover sauce in individual containers and place in the freezer with the skewers in zip topped bags.

Place 1 or 2 skewers and sauce containers in each lunchbox, along with some fresh fruit and veggies, oh and maybe a homemade cookie too. I tell my kids to heat the meatballs for about 30 seconds since they are defrosted by lunchtime.

Directions for Marinara Sauce:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add and sauté basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes for 30-60 seconds. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, do not let brown. Add the tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Simmer five minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve piping hot over pasta or with Stromboli. Also great on pizza. You can also add shrimp at the end and cook another 3 minutes or until the shrimp are done.

Note- Fresh herbs are the best choice for this type of sauce. If you purchase fresh herbs you can always freeze the leftovers whole or puree with a little water and freeze in ice cube trays or whatever size container you would like.