Fair's Best Grinder™ Recipe

Prepare meat and vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the ground beef and break up with a spatula; cook 3–4 minutes until beginning to brown. Add the spicy Italian sausage (remove from casings if necessary) and continue to cook, breaking up the sausage, until both meats are fully browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes total. Drain excess fat if there is more than 1 tablespoon in the pan.

Season and add vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, banana peppers, and sliced jalapeño to the skillet with the meat. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and peppers are tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble and melt cheese

Preheat broiler (or oven to 425°F / 220°C). Slice the hoagie roll lengthwise, leaving a hinge if desired, and toast lightly under the broiler for 1 minute until just golden. Pile the hot sausage/meat and pepper mixture into the roll, distributing evenly. In a small bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and provolone. Sprinkle the cheese blend generously over the hot filling. Place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet and return to the oven or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and edges of the bread are toasted to your liking.

Finish and serve

Remove the sandwich from the oven. Let rest 1 minute, then slice in half if desired. Serve hot with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

While the meat is cooking, make the quick marinara. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add the crushed tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt or heat as needed. Keep warm until ready to serve.