"Simple Italian-style ground beef meatballs with gooey mozzarella centers enveloped in crusty pizza dough. Hearty appetizers for your next gathering. "
For the Ground Beef Sausage:
1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
1 teaspoon fennel seed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1/8–1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
For the Sandwich Rolls:
2 eggs, divided
¼ cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
12 cherry-sized mozzarella balls (about 6 ounces)
12ounces refrigerated pizza dough
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
marinara sauce, chopped basil leaves (optional garnish)
To make the sausage: Combine all the ground-beef sausage ingredients in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the sausage mixture and cook 8–10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles, and stirring occasionally.
To make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine the sausage mixture, 1 egg, and breadcrumbs in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly. Shape into 12, 2-inch meatballs. Place a mozzarella ball in the middle of each meatball, making sure the cheese is completely covered with the beef mixture. Place meatballs on an aluminum-foil lined broiler rack coated with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven for 24–27 minutes.
To make the rolls: Cut the dough into 12 pieces, about 1 ounce each. Stretch each piece to cover 1 meatball, pinching the edges to seal. Place each one seam-side down on a parchment-lined, shallow-rimmed baking sheet. Place the remaining egg in a small bowl, beat with a fork. Brush the rolls with egg, then top with Parmesan cheese. Bake the rolls in a 400°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce and basil, as desired.