Meatball Sub Sandwiches

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Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasty sandwich bursting with juicy meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese. Meatball sub sandwiches are like a hug for your taste buds, offering that perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite an experience worth relishing.

I remember the first time I made these delightful sandwiches it was during a family game night. We all gathered around the table, ready to feast on these hearty creations. The aroma of baking bread and simmering marinara filled the air, instantly creating a sense of comfort and excitement that made everyone eager to dig in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These meatball sub sandwiches are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners
  • The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, with a delightful balance of savory and tangy notes
  • Visually appealing with their vibrant colors and layers of ingredients, they are sure to impress
  • Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces for added flair

Sharing this recipe with my family has always brought smiles and happy bellies. They can never say no to a meatball sub.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a juicy texture without excess grease in your meatballs.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for an added depth of flavor in your meatballs.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds richness avoid pre-packaged for the best results.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley enhances freshness opt for bright green leaves.
  • Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought just ensure it’s thick and flavorful for the best experience.
  • Sub Rolls: Look for soft yet sturdy rolls that can hold up against all the goodies inside.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully use whole-milk for creamier results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined but do not overwork the mixture.

Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help keep them from sticking while cooking.

Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 20 minutes or until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. The kitchen will smell amazing.

Warm Up the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs bake, pour marinara sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through about 5 minutes should do it.

Assemble Your Sandwiches: Slice open your sub rolls and place several meatballs inside each one. Spoon some warm marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs followed by generous handfuls of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Melt the Cheese & Serve: Place assembled sandwiches under broiler until cheese melts and bubbles keep an eye on it. Once perfect golden brown, remove from oven carefully and serve immediately with extra napkins. Enjoy every cheesy bite.

You Must Know

  • Meatball sub sandwiches can be a game changer for lunch
  • They are flavorful, filling, and customizable to suit any palate
  • Just imagine the aroma of baked meatballs filling your kitchen it’s enough to make anyone swoon

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the meatballs while warming the marinara sauce on the stove. This ensures that everything finishes at the same time for perfectly gooey sandwiches.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap beef with turkey or add sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor. Different cheeses can also elevate your meatball sub experience.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To get juicy meatballs, don’t skip the breadcrumbs and eggs they help retain moisture
  • Cooking them at a higher temperature will give you a nice caramelization too
  • For extra flavor, season your marinara sauce with fresh herbs before serving

It was my cousin’s wedding when I first made these meatball sub sandwiches for a crowd. The compliments kept pouring in, making me feel like a culinary superstar that day.

FAQs

FAQ

What is the best bread for meatball sub sandwiches?

A crispy hoagie roll or baguette works best, holding up against the sauce and toppings.

Can I freeze meatball sub sandwiches?

Yes, you can freeze assembled sandwiches wrap them tightly and thaw before reheating.

How do I make meatballs less dense?

Add grated cheese and a splash of milk to your mixture for lighter, fluffier meatballs.

Print
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Delicious Meatball Sub Sandwiches


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Savor the irresistible combination of juicy meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese in these delightful meatball sub sandwiches. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they promise to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces, this recipe is sure to impress at any table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 soft sub rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. While meatballs bake, warm marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  6. Slice sub rolls open; place several meatballs inside each roll. Spoon warm marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Broil until cheese melts and bubbles (watch closely). Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, swap ground beef for turkey or mix in sautéed onions and peppers. To keep meatballs tender, do not overmix the ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tags:

cheese / comfort food / easy recipe / family meal / hearty meal / marinara / meatballs / sandwiches

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