Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Griddle or panini press
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Preheat a griddle or panini press to medium-high heat.
5. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
6. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread, sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Spoon 1/4 cup of the Bolognese sauce on top of the cheese on each slice of bread.
8. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the Bolognese sauce on each slice of bread.
9. Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
10. Place the sandwiches on the griddle or panini press and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Griddle or panini press: medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 610
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 1050mg
Sugar: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Dried basil and oregano can be substituted with Italian seasoning.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the Bolognese sauce.
- Use sourdough bread or ciabatta bread instead of regular bread.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the Bolognese sauce is thick and not too watery, as it can make the bread soggy.
- Use a good quality bread for the best results.
- Don't overstuff the sandwiches, as it can make them difficult to cook evenly.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store any leftover grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the Bolognese sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. Reheat the grilled cheese sandwiches in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches on a plate with a side salad or some potato chips.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad, potato chips, or French fries.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is burning before the cheese is melted, reduce the heat on the griddle or panini press.
- If the cheese is not melting, try covering the sandwich with a lid or a piece of foil to trap the heat.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Grilled cheese sandwiches have been a popular comfort food in the United States since the 1920s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomato-y.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side salad or some potato chips.
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