Meatball Sub Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings the family together, this Meatball Sub Recipe is just what you need. There’s something about the aroma of freshly baked meatballs and gooey melted cheese that makes my heart sing. It’s a recipe that has been passed down, bringing joy to movie nights, game days, or even just a cozy dinner at home. You can whip it up in no time, and it always gets smiles around the table.

These sub sandwiches are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. You’ll find that they’re perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings with friends. Plus, who can resist a warm sub filled with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves meatballs! It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs earlier in the day or even freeze them for later use!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it your own.
• Satisfying Flavor: The blend of Italian spices and melted mozzarella creates a comforting taste that warms the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for this Meatball Sub Recipe. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you will need:

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

For Assembly

• 2 cups marinara (or pasta sauce)
• 4 sub rolls
• 1½ cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional)

Variations

One of the best parts about this Meatball Sub Recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have or your personal taste preferences. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or onions into your meatball mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Try provolone or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a different twist.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce if you like some heat!

How to Make Meatball Sub Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well is crucial because it ensures each meatball is flavorful. Once mixed, roll them into 1-inch balls. This size allows them to cook evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs. Searing them on all sides creates a beautiful golden crust while sealing in their juices. After browning, drain any excess grease before adding your marinara sauce to the skillet. Let them simmer together for about 15 minutes; this step infuses all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Toast the Rolls

While your meatballs are simmering away in that rich sauce, split and butter your sub rolls before placing them under the broiler for a few minutes until they are toasted. This gives them an irresistible crunch and prevents them from getting soggy when you add the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble Your Subs

Spread half of your shredded mozzarella on the bottom of each toasted roll. Then place five meatballs into each roll and generously top with more mozzarella cheese. Broil them just until the cheese melts and gets lightly browned—it’s hard to resist peeking in!

Step 5: Serve with Love

If desired, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over your beautifully melted subs before serving. Enjoy immediately while they’re warm! These sandwiches are sure to be a hit at any gathering or cozy dinner night at home!

Pro Tips for Making Meatball Sub Recipe

Making the perfect meatball sub is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your meatball subs are a hit!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of your meatballs and sauce, creating a more vibrant dish that your family will love.

• Don’t skip browning the meatballs: Browning adds depth and flavor to the meatballs. It creates a beautiful crust that helps seal in juices, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

• Toast the sub rolls: Toasting adds texture and prevents the bread from becoming soggy. A crispy exterior will hold up better against the saucy meatballs, enhancing the overall eating experience.

• Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, adding provolone or fontina can give your meatball subs a unique twist. Mixing cheeses can create a delightful blend of flavors that your guests will rave about.

• Make it ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This not only saves time but also allows flavors to meld beautifully if you let them sit overnight.

How to Serve Meatball Sub Recipe

When it comes to serving your delicious meatball subs, presentation can make all the difference! Here are some lovely ideas on how to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkling fresh parsley or basil on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Extra Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of grated Parmesan provides an extra layer of flavor and richness that complements the melted cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavors make for a perfect pairing with meatball subs, providing an additional source of carbs that’s always welcome at the table.

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatball sub, making for a well-rounded meal.

• Oven-Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until caramelized add both nutrients and a burst of color to your meal.

• Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can be a delightful side. They complement the sauciness of the subs while giving everyone something fun to munch on!

Enjoy crafting these mouthwatering meatball subs! Whether it’s for game day or just a cozy family dinner, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Meatball Sub Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal whenever you need it. Here’s how to store your leftovers and make the most of this hearty dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sub rolls separate to maintain their texture.
• Reheat meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• The marinara sauce can also be frozen in portions for easy use later.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Heat in a skillet with marinara sauce over medium heat until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• To reassemble, toast sub rolls and fill them with the reheated meatballs and sauce, adding cheese as desired.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious Meatball Sub Recipe? Let’s dive into some common queries!

How do I make homemade meatball subs using this Meatball Sub Recipe?

To create homemade meatball subs, follow the provided recipe closely. Prepare the meatballs using ground beef, seasonings, and breadcrumbs, then brown them and simmer in marinara sauce. Assemble your subs with toasted rolls, cheese, and plenty of sauce!

What goes well with meatball subs?

When serving your Meatball Sub Recipe, consider pairing it with a light salad or crispy chips for contrast. Garlic bread is also a classic choice that complements these hearty sandwiches beautifully.

Can I use other types of ground meat for this Meatball Sub Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef for rich flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is this Meatball Sub Recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! This recipe is kid-friendly and perfect for family gatherings. The combination of flavors is sure to please even picky eaters!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Meatball Sub Recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in with family, these hearty subs are sure to delight. Give it a try and savor each delicious bite!