Meatball sub dreams come to life in a cozy kitchen, where juicy beef and turkey meatballs tuck into a soft Italian roll. Each one is smothered in tangy homemade marinara, rich with oregano and a splash of balsamic depth, then topped with mozzarella that melts into irresistible gooey strands. Fresh basil and a shower of Parmesan add brightness and crunch, turning every bite into a playful mix of textures and flavors. Ready in about 40 minutes, this meatball sub is the kind of easy, comforting sandwich that makes any day feel like a little escape.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This meatball sub
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for any appetite.
- Rich marinara sauce brings a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Melted mozzarella adds a creamy, gooey texture that’s irresistible.
- Easy to make at home, so you can enjoy it anytime.
- Customize with your favorite toppings for a personal touch!
meatball sub
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely blended. Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meatballs. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and soak up that delicious sauce.
- While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your sub is perfectly baked.
- Slice the sub rolls lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll generously with the meatballs and sauce from the skillet.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs in each sub. Don’t be shy; the more, the merrier!
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, garnish your meatball subs with fresh basil. Close the rolls, and serve them hot. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 35g |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious meatball sub that will impress everyone!
- 1 pound ground beef – for juicy meatballs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – to bind the meatballs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds flavor
- 1 egg – helps hold the meatballs together
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – for a fragrant kick
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic Italian herb
- Salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce – a must for the sub
- 4 sub rolls – the perfect vessel
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – melty goodness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking
- Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish and flavor
How to Make meatball sub
This classic meatball sub is a delightful treat that combines savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, a cooking time of 20 minutes, and an additional baking time of 5–7 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely blended. Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meatballs. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and soak up that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your sub is perfectly baked.
Step 5: Prepare the Sub Rolls
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Fill each roll generously with the meatballs and sauce from the skillet.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs in each sub. Don’t be shy; the more, the merrier!
Step 7: Bake the Subs
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, garnish your meatball subs with fresh basil. Close the rolls, and serve them hot. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5-7 minutes (baking) |
| Total Time | 42 minutes |
| Dietary | Contains meat |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with fresh basil |
Pro Tips for Making meatball sub
- Opt for lean ground beef or turkey for healthier meatballs.
- Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for vibrant flavor.
- Toast the sub rolls lightly for added crunch and warmth.
- Let the meatballs simmer in marinara for extra tenderness.
- Top with freshly grated mozzarella for a melty finish.
How to Serve this meatball sub
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color.
- Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread for extra crunch.
- Pair with a light salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
- Enjoy with a side of potato chips or fries for a classic combo.
- For a twist, add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Try it with a side of marinara for dipping—double the flavor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to keep your meatball sub fresh and delicious:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the meatball sub to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing
- Cool the meatball sub completely before freezing.
- Wrap each sub individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped subs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
- For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, covered.
- Check that the meatballs are heated through before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What do you put on a meatball sub?
A classic meatball sub is typically topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and sometimes grated Parmesan. You can also add fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. Some people enjoy adding sliced jalapeños or banana peppers for a spicy kick!
2. How do you keep meatball subs from getting soggy?
To prevent your meatball subs from getting soggy, consider toasting the bread lightly before adding the meatballs and sauce. You can also use a thicker marinara sauce and avoid overloading the sandwich with too much sauce. Additionally, serving the sauce on the side can help keep the bread from becoming too wet too quickly.
3. What are common meatball mistakes?
Common mistakes when making meatballs include overmixing the meat, which can lead to tough meatballs, or not using enough binding agents like breadcrumbs or eggs. It’s also important to cook them at the right temperature to ensure they are cooked through without drying out. Lastly, not letting them rest after cooking can cause them to fall apart when you serve them.
4. Do veggies go on a meatball sub?
While traditional meatball subs focus on meatballs and sauce, adding veggies can enhance the flavor and texture. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even spinach can be delicious additions. Just be sure to cook them beforehand to avoid adding excess moisture to the sandwich!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a classic meatball sub to bring back those cozy, comforting vibes! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious sandwich that’s sure to impress. So gather your loved ones, dig in, and savor every bite of this homemade delight. Enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your table!