Ingredients
1 pound bulk Italian sausage1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped1 medium onion, chopped1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)2 cans (8 ounces each ) no-salt-added tomato sauce1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional 16 slices smoked mozzarella cheese (about 3/4 pound)8 hoagie buns, split and toastedPickled hot cherry peppers, optional
Preparation
In a large skillet, cook and crumble sausage with red pepper and onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker.
In same pan, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, add beef to slow cooker. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder and, if desired, liquid smoke. Cook, covered, on low until flavors are blended, 4-5 hours.
To serve, place cheese on bun bottoms; top with meat mixture and, if desired, peppers. Close sandwiches.
