Pancetta Meatball Sliders
Pair with Peroni
Some would call Peroni® a delicate beer, but it really shines when it’s paired with a delectable dish. The firm bitterness of Peroni contrasts the pancetta’s saltiness, while cutting through the richness of ground chuck. And to top it off, this beer's delicately herbal hop aromas elevate the herbal notes from parsley and oregano. Yum!
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound pancetta, cubed
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck roast
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 slices white bread, cubed
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 12 slider buns
Directions
1.In a food processor, pulse pancetta until a smooth texture forms. In a large bowl, blend with your hands pancetta, ground chuck, cheese, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, pour milk over bread and once the bread has absorbed the milk, add to the beef mixture along with the eggs. Once again, blend with your hands until just combined. Spoon mixture into 12 equal portions (about 3 tablespoons each) and shape into balls. Place on a baking sheet.
2.Heat marinara sauce over medium heat in a large pot big enough to hold meatballs in a single layer. Place meatballs under the broiler for 7 minutes or until the tops begin to brown then transfer to the sauce and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
3.Place meatballs on the bottom slice of the slider buns, top with a spoonful of marinara and a slice of cheese, and place under the broiler until cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute. Top with remaining slider bun and serve.
Note: Slider buns can be substituted for dinner rolls.