Meatball sub sandwiches are hearty and fun! Juicy meatballs swim in rich tomato sauce, all tucked inside a soft hoagie roll. Melted cheese on top makes it all even better!
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s messy and delicious? I always have an extra napkin handy for this one! You can’t go wrong with a good meatball sub—perfect for a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and fat. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just note that the flavor might be a bit lighter.
Breadcrumbs: Bread crumbs help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free crackers or a gluten-free bread blend. I often use plain breadcrumbs, but Italian seasoned ones add nice flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a rich taste to your meatballs. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or omit it for a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor for vegans.
Hoagie Rolls: Choose fresh, soft hoagie rolls for the best experience. If you’re avoiding gluten, consider using gluten-free rolls or even large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option!
How Do You Make Perfect Meatballs?
Getting meatballs just right can be tricky. Here are some helpful steps to ensure they are tender and flavorful:
- Mix gently: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just combine until everything is mixed.
- Size matters: Aim for 1 1/2-inch meatballs. This size ensures they cook through without drying out.
- Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is at 375°F (190°C) before baking. This helps them get that lovely brown color.
- Simmer in sauce: After baking, let the meatballs simmer in marinara sauce. This helps them absorb flavor and stay moist.
By following these tips, you’ll create delicious meatball sandwiches that everyone will enjoy!
Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for warming sauce)
For Assembling:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the meatballs and assembling everything, then around 20 minutes baking and broiling for that perfect melty cheese. Such a satisfying and delicious experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for getting those meatballs nice and browned!
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and oregano. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until everything is just combined. Remember, don’t overmix; you want your meatballs to stay tender!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop these in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and browned. You can check if they’re done by cutting one in half to ensure no pink remains.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat. If desired, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra seasoning.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the warm marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat them and let them simmer together for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to combine beautifully!
7. Preheat the Broiler:
Next, turn on your broiler and let it preheat while you prepare the sandwiches.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want a hinge to hold all the yummy goodness inside!
9. Fill the Rolls:
Place 3-4 meatballs with a generous spoonful of sauce into each roll. Don’t be shy—load ’em up!
10. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs in each sandwich to get that delicious meltiness.
11. Broil the Sandwiches:
Carefully place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Broil them in the oven for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them—things can go from brown to burnt pretty quickly!
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the sandwiches are golden and gooey, take them out of the oven. If you like, garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, gooey meatball subs!
Dig in and relish the cozy flavors of your homemade meatball sub sandwiches! Yum!
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Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be milder, so you might want to adjust the seasonings slightly to enhance the taste.
How Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make meatball subs gluten-free, replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure that your hoagie rolls are gluten-free.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance. Allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in marinara sauce before assembling your subs!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the bread’s texture or in the microwave until heated through.
