Recipe ID: 247 Hot & Spicy Meatballs in Crunchy Kaisers

Serve these hearty hot sandwiches with small salads or cloeslaw. If you wish, make the sauce one or two days ahead and reheat at serving time. 

Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) tomatoes 
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp red wine or cider vinegar
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish 
• 1/2 tsp crushed chili peppers
• pinch of allspice

Roll

• 1 large oval crusty kaiser roll ( about 6 in/15 cm long)
• Soft butter

Meatballs

• 1/2 lb lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs (from roll)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp grated onion
• 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

SAUCE:

1. In small saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes or until thickened. 
2. If using immediately, cover and keep hot. If making ahead, pour into clean screw top jar and cover; refrigerate when cooled, then reheat before using. 

ROLL: 

1. Cut roll in half lengthwise
2. Hollow out centre of each half to form a shell with sides about 1/2 inch thick; reserve centre fo roll to make bread crumbs. 
3. Spread the cut surface, including centre, with butter. 
4. Arrange on baking sheet. 
5. Bake in 350 F oven for 10-12 minutes or until top is golden brown; the centre will become crisp when cool. Set aside. 

MEATBALLS:

1. Combine ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste;  mix well
2. Shape into 8 meatballs of same size
3. Place on wire rack over baking pan. 
4. Bake in 350F oven for 15-20 minutes or until browned

To assemble: 

1.  Spoon about 2 tbsp of sauce into cavity of each roll. 
2. Place 4 meatballs in each roll; 
3. Spoon more sauce over top
4. Return to oven for about 5 minutes, just until heated through
5. Serve any remaining sauce in sperate dish

Recipe can be halved or doubled. (If halving recipe, beat egg and use half of it). 
Makes 2 servings. 

Feature photo credit - Kraft Canada