2011's Week #5 Winner: Ricky's Stromboli's

Ricky's Stromboli's - Rick Hill from Carpentersville gave us this recipe which is very easy to make and packed with championship taste!

Ingredients - no skimping!!
6 fresh baked Italian sub buns - must have light crispy exterior and light fresh yeast centers - the bread makes the sandwich!
1 lb. Market Day 80/20 Lean Ground Beef (I like the flavor)
1 lb. fresh ground mild Italian sausage - support your Chi-Town local butcher!
1 cup tomato sauce - don't skimp - get the best quality!
1 cup Heinz ketchup (I like their specific flavor)
4 tablespoons fresh fine chopped onion
1 small tray fresh button mushrooms
1 fresh green pepper
Fennel seed - to taste (this is the key ingredient!)
Minced garlic - to taste
Kosher salt - to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese - to taste
Fresh oregano leaves - minced / amount - to taste (a little goes far!)
Fine shredded mozzarella - to taste
Chicago manufactured hot giardiniera (it's gotta be from Chi-Town!)

Directions
Cut top off green pepper, remove seeds, brush lightly with olive oil & roast in oven at 350 until slightly browned. In large bowl, whisk tomato sauce, ketchup & a good amount of parmesan cheese together while browning beef & sausage in skillet you have seasoned to taste with minced garlic, Kosher salt, onion & fennel seed. When the meat mixture is almost done add fresh minced oregano. When browning is complete, drain off most of the juice & transfer meat mixture & whisked sauce into a medium pot. Mix well. While stove-top simmering the blend on low heat (45 min. / stir frequently), slice button mushrooms & sautee in light olive oil until slightly browned. Chop roasted pepper. Split sub buns, ladle on meat sauce, top with chopped peppers, sauteed mushrooms & giardiniera. Place a heap of shredded mozzarella on top. Place on foil & set under broiler to melt cheese. Foil-wrap for the game & re-warm on the grill unless you're tailgating at home. Serve with ice cold beer and Chicago local-made Kosher pickles. Make this once and you will see how easy it is. Using stuff like fennel seed & fresh oregano make a world of difference! Go Bears!