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Italian cuisine is renowned for its comforting and robust flavors, making it a favorite among food lovers worldwide. From rich pasta dishes to savory pizzas, Italian food has a way of bringing families and friends together around the dinner table. One dish that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Italian culinary tradition while offering a twist is the Italian Sub Squares. This delightful recipe combines the beloved flavors of an Italian sub sandwich with a cheesy, savory baked dish that is sure to become a hit at any gathering.

Italian Sub Squares

Discover the delicious blend of flavors in Italian Sub Squares, a creative twist on the classic Italian sub sandwich! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this dish features savory Italian sausage, ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and gooey provolone and mozzarella, all baked in a flaky pizza dough. Easy to customize, these cheesy squares are sure to impress everyone at the table. Get ready to enjoy a slice of Italy with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed

1 lb ground beef

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup sliced black olives

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces provolone cheese, shredded

8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 package (14 oz) pizza dough (store-bought for convenience)

¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup Italian dressing

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

    Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula, for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

      Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into the skillet with the meats. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black olives, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until everything is well combined and flavors meld together. Remove from heat.

          Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface or directly in the greased baking dish, pressing it to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides of the dish.

            Layer the Meats: Spread the cooked meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the dough. Top with the shredded provolone cheese and mozzarella cheese.

              Finish with Dough: If desired, you can roll out a second piece of dough to cover the top. Alternatively, leave it open-faced for a more rustic look. If using a second dough layer, pinch the edges to seal.

                Add Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Italian dressing. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the dough (if left open-faced, apply it directly onto the cheese).

                  Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

                    Cool and Serve: Once out of the oven, let cool for about 10 minutes. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious layers of Italian flavors!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 squares