Baked Pizza Boats

Layers of your favorite pizza toppings, in the form of a sub!

6 whole wheat sub-style rolls (each 6" long)
2 Tbs. olive oil, divided
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
1 large clove fresh garlic, minced
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 tsp. sea salt
Few dashes fresh ground black pepper

14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp. dried Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp. dry honey granules or granulated sugar
2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced, divided

60 slices turkey pepperoni (10 slices per roll)
2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut the very top off of each roll. Use your fingers to pull the bread out from the inside of the roll. Be careful not to take out too much, as your filling will leak later. Place prepared rolls on an ungreased baking sheet and set aside.

In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add sliced mushrooms and saute over medium heat, until soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

In a medium size pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat no longer pink and onions softened. Drain grease and return meat mixture to pan. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Heat mixture over medium heat again, to absorb any liquid.

Place pepperoni in the bottom of the hollowed out rolls. Fill rolls about 3/4 to the top with the meat/tomato mixture. Top with mushrooms and cheese. The cheese should come just barely above the top of the roll, as it will shrink down as it cooks.

Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is slightly toasted.  Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Makes 6