MEATBALL SUBS

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 These easy Italian Meatball Subs combine homemade meatballs with marinara sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella all on buttered, toasted sub rolls.

They are quick to come together, making them perfect for busy weeknights when homework, laundry, and after-school activities are taking precedence. I love to serve these sandwiches with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Cucumber Tomato Salad, or Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries.

I love a good sub sandwich! These subs are the best. They are perfect for sleepovers, movie nights, and pool parties. They are so much fresher than Subway, and you can prepare them with excellent quality ingredients that you control. My family and friends rave about them, and they love it when I fix them.

HOW TO MAKE MEATBALL SUBS

Start by mixing together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Next, roll the mixture into one-inch balls and brown in a large skillet. Now add the pasta sauce and simmer over medium-low for about 15 minutes.

Now butter the buns and toast them a little bit under the broiler. Then spread half the shredded mozzarella over the bottom of the sub rolls. Spoon five meatballs into each roll and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Finally, broil the sandwiches just until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Broilers are unpredictable, so stay close by. Top with chopped fresh Italian parsley or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For best results, serve promptly.

RECIPE NOTES AND HELPFUL TIPS

  • This recipe works with both fresh and frozen meatballs. You can also make this recipe with ground turkey, ground pork, or Italian sausage if desired.
  • Use meatless pasta sauce, homemade marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce.
  • If you prefer, bake the meatballs on a baking sheet at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Then spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs after you add them to the buns.
  • I like to use fresh submarine rolls or hoagie rolls, but you could also use hot dog buns. Hot dog buns hold about three meatballs, so this recipe would go a little further.
  • For full flavor, slather the buns with garlic butter and toast them in the oven. 
  • Using a large baking dish like a 9 x 13 allows you to tip the sandwiches on their side and makes for a fabulous presentation.
  • Try different cheeses like provel, fontina, or provolone cheese.
  • Broilers are unpredictable, so stay close by and monitor the progress.
  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like Italian parsley, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power. 

WHAT DO YOU PUT ON A MEATBALL SUB?

  • pickles
  • onion straws
  • pan fried bell peppers
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • pickled jalapenos
  • banana peppers
  • crushed red pepper
  • pepperoni

SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH A MEATBALL SUB SANDWICH?

  • easy garden salad with a light vinaigrette
  • minestrone, vegetable soup, or Corn Chowder
  • pasta salad
  • potato chips or French fries
  • Creamy Coleslaw or Vinegar Coleslaw
  • fruit salad
  • potato salad

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs (see notes)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara (or pasta sauce)
  • 4 sub rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.  Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides.  Drain any excess grease.  Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
  3. While the meatballs are simmering, split, butter, and toast the sub rolls under the broiler.
  4. Spread half of the cheese over the bottom of the rolls. Place 5 meatballs in each roll and top with the remainder of the cheese. Broil the sandwiches just until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  5. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.  Serve promptly.

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