One of the funnest days over at Shirley J are the days we get to sample recipes that our Home Chefs have developed or adapted. This month’s recipe contest featured Shirley J Pizza and Pasta Seasoning. We’ll cut to the chase. The winning recipe is Meatball Subs by Home Chef Jessica Olsen of Michigan.

This recipe was hands down the winner by our selection committee! The Meatball Subs used Shirley J Pizza & Pasta Seasoning Mix in both the meatballs and a homemade marinara sauce. It was delicious and messy, just as Jessica promised. Our favorite part about it (besides the taste) was that you can make this meal in less than 60 minutes. Congrats, Jessica. Your cash prize is on it’s way! Try Jessica’s recipe below and don’t forget to check out her blog, Taste Every Season for more of her Shirley J cooking adventures.

Meatball Subs

Serving: Makes 6-8, 6 inch Subs

Ingredients:

Meatballs-
-1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
-1 egg, beaten
-1/2 cup finely chopped onion
-1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
-1/4 cup SHIRLEY J Pizza and Pasta Seasoning
-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
-1/4 teaspoons black pepper
-1/2 teaspoon salt

15 Minute Marinara Sauce:
(If you want to save time you can use store bought pre-made Marinara Sauce like Prego. However, I strongly recommend making this sauce.)
-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
-4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
-A handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped, about 2 tablespoons
-1 teaspoon Shirley J Pizza and Pasta Seasoning
-1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
-1 (14 ounces) can chunky style crushed tomatoes
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper

-Bread: you need bread that is crusty so that the sandwich does not turn soggy. I like to use: French Baguettes or Ciabatta bread and cut them into 6 inch parts. You can buy the bread at your grocery store or I like to get mine at Panera Bread(Midwest) or Kneaders(Utah). You will need 2 loaves of the bread you choose to fill all of the meatballs.

-2 1/2 cups Italian 4-cheese blend

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees

2. Mix all of the meatball ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until all combined, trying not to over-mix. Roll into golf-ball size (or smaller) balls. Place them on a greased cookie sheet. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning half way through.

3. For 15 Minute Marinara Sauce: Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oil and garlic. When garlic starts sizzling, add seasoning and crushed pepper. Allow oil to infuse for half a minute, then stir in the tomatoes and season sauce with salt and pepper. Bring sauce to a bubble, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Combine meatballs and sauce and pile into crusty rolls or bread, 4 meatballs per sub. Top with shredded cheese and place subs under broiler to melt cheese.

Enjoy!

Let’s not forget our other finalist: Annalee Larsen of Utah. Her avocado salsa was delicious and a very inventive way to use our Pizza & Pasta Seasoning Mix.

Stay tuned for the next recipe contest! We hope you all will participate!

Learn more about the Shirley J Home Chef Blogger Recipe Contests here.