SLOPPY GIO
Serves 4
Get ready for sloppy Joe’s, Italian-style. The Italian ingredients add layers of flavor to this American classic.
2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
3 cups Marinara Sauce (here)
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 ciabatta rolls
Olive oil
8 ounces shredded Italian cheese blend, such as smoked provolone, Pecorino Romano, fontina, Asiago, and/or Parmesan
4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
In a heavy skillet, fry the beef over medium heat until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain off the fat. Add the marinara sauce and dried basil and cook until the sauce has reduced and thickened, about 35 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
Slice the rolls and brush with olive oil. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them briefly under the broiler.
Spoon some of the meat mixture onto each bun. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Top with a slice of fresh mozzarella and broil again, just until the cheese bubbles and browns.
