Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Recipe
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and seasonings to make it your own!
- Comfort Food Classic: A satisfying, flavorful sandwich perfect for any time.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ideal for busy days.
Tools You’ll Need
- Pastry brush: To spread butter on the rolls.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the meatball mixture.
- Baking sheet: To bake the meatballs.
- Small saucepan: For heating the marinara sauce.
Meatball Subs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty Meatball Sub. Packed with tender meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese all tucked into a toasted roll, this sandwich is a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce and Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for the rolls)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly browned.
Step 2: Heat the Marinara Sauce
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls
7. Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
8. Brush the insides with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
9. Toast the rolls in the oven for about 3-5 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Assemble the Meatball Subs
10. Place 3-4 meatballs inside each toasted roll.
11. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
12. Return the assembled subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
13. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Bread: A good quality hoagie roll makes all the difference.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for a quick meal later.
- Add Extra Toppings: Try sliced jalapeños, sautéed onions, or banana peppers for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, and assemble fresh subs as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A: Absolutely! Simply heat them in the marinara sauce as directed.
Q2: What’s a good cheese alternative?
A: Provolone, Swiss, or even cheddar work great if you don’t have mozzarella.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant instead of meatballs.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per sub)
Calories: 420
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Enjoy every bite of these warm, cheesy Meatball Subs! They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch that feels like a treat. Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family—they’ll be asking for seconds in no time!
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