---
title: Pork Meatball Melt Sandwiches
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/pork-meatball-melt-sandwiches-5ad7b97830006c1b3062c642
servings: 2
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 20 minutes
time required: 30 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens: [Wheat, Soy, Milk]
tags: [Spicy, Quick, American]
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 1600
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Hearty tomato sauce and spicy pork meatballs create a deeply satisfying sandwich
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Straightforward assembly and minimal cleanup make this an excellent weeknight dinner
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/pork-meatball-melt-sandwiches.avif"
---
Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and sprinkle with a drizzle of @olive oil{1%tbsp}. Halve and peel @yellow onion{1%medium}; finely chop one half. Mince @garlic{2%clove}.

In a medium bowl, mix together @ground pork{12%oz}, @panko breadcrumbs{2%tbsp}, 2 TBSP onion, half the garlic, half the @tuscan heat spice{1%tbsp}, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Divide into 8 pieces and shape each into a meatball. Place on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in oven until cooked through ~{18%minutes}.

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add remaining onion and cook until starting to soften ~{3%minutes}. Toss in remaining garlic and Tuscan heat spice and cook until fragrant ~{1%minute}.

Stir half the @crushed tomatoes{14%oz} from container, ½ tsp @sugar{½%tsp}, and a large pinch of salt and pepper into pan. Bring to a simmer and let bubble until thickened ~{3%minutes}. Meanwhile, zest ½ tsp zest from @lemon{1%unit}, then halve and squeeze 2 tsp juice into a small bowl. Halve @zucchini{1%medium} lengthwise, then slice crosswise into ¼-inch-thick half-moons. Remove pan from heat once sauce thickens and stir in ½ tbsp @butter{½%tbsp}.

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until softened ~{5%minutes}. Stir in reserved lemon juice and zest. Set aside off heat. Remove baked meatballs from sheet. Heat broiler to high. Halve meatballs. Split @ciabatta bread{2%rolls} in half and sprinkle cut sides with a drizzle of olive oil each. Place bottoms cut-side up on same sheet.

Spread a little sauce on each ciabatta bottom. Arrange meatballs on top. Spoon over remaining sauce and sprinkle with @mozzarella cheese{4%oz}. Top with remaining ciabatta halves and place under broiler. Broil until mozzarella melts ~{2%minutes}. Divide between plates and serve with zucchini.