Description
Hearty Italian meatball subs blend savory ground beef, herbs, and marinara sauce into a mouthwatering sandwich sensation. Melted provolone cheese and crusty bread elevate this classic comfort meal that will satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Meatball Seasonings and Binders:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Sauce and Assembly Ingredients:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft savory meatballs by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and milk in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly integrated.
- Form the meat mixture into uniform spheres approximately 1½ inches in diameter, positioning them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast the meatballs in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-18 minutes, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature and develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer marinara sauce to a large skillet, enhancing its flavor with dried oregano and garlic powder, then gently introduce the freshly baked meatballs into the simmering liquid.
- Allow meatballs to bathe in the sauce for 5 minutes, enabling them to absorb rich, aromatic flavors while maintaining their tender texture.
- Prepare hoagie rolls by brushing their surfaces with melted butter and dusting with garlic powder, then position under the broiler until they transform into crispy, golden-edged vessels.
- Arrange 3-4 saucy meatballs within each toasted roll, generously draping additional marinara over the meat.
- Sprinkle a luxurious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese atop the meatballs, returning the assembled subs to the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing layer.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, serving the subs immediately while they remain warm and irresistibly inviting.
Notes
- Customize meatball size for perfect bite-width, ensuring each sub has consistent, easy-to-eat portions.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter, diet-friendly options that maintain delicious flavor profiles.
- Prevent dry meatballs by using a light touch when mixing ingredients and avoiding over-mixing, which can make the meat tough and compact.
- Select high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade sauce for enhanced taste and control over sodium and sugar content, elevating the overall sub experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg