Description
Cheesy Meatball Subs
These cheesy meatball subs are the ultimate comfort food! Packed with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, they’re perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef or pork
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Subs:
4 hoagie rolls
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, warm the marinara sauce. Add the cooked meatballs and let them simmer for 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Assemble the Subs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hoagie rolls on a baking sheet. Fill each roll with meatballs and sauce, then top generously with mozzarella cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the subs for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Switch to broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Pair with a side of fries or salad for a complete meal!
Pro Tip: Add a drizzle of spicy sriracha or ranch for an extra flavor twist!
Enjoy these Cheesy Meatball Subs – a delicious, melty, and satisfying treat!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for foolproof subs. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start assembling. While mixing your meatball ingredients, soak the breadcrumbs in a tablespoon of milk for 5 minutes to ensure ultra-juicy meatballs. When forming them, use a small cookie scoop or melon baller for uniform size, which ensures even cooking. For the assembly, lightly toast the inside of the hoagie rolls in the oven for 3-4 minutes before adding fillings; this creates a barrier against sogginess. Finally, place the baking sheet on the oven’s middle rack for even melting, then finish under the broiler for the perfect golden top.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your meal with perfect pairings. Serve these hearty subs with a crisp garden salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or a side of crispy garlic parmesan fries. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. To complete the Italian feast, start with a simple bruschetta or a bowl of minestrone soup. For drinks, pair with an ice-cold lager, sparkling water with lemon, or a robust red wine like Chianti.
How-to Summary
To summarize: mix and form the meatballs, pan-cook until browned, simmer in marinara sauce, load into toasted rolls, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until melted and bubbly. Finish with a quick broil for color and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare and cook the meatballs 1-2 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the sauce before assembling.
What’s the best cheese substitute for mozzarella? Provolone offers a sharper flavor, while a Monterey Jack and cheddar blend provides excellent meltability. For a dairy-free option, use a high-quality vegan mozzarella-style shred.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? Toasting the rolls first is key. You can also spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the inside before toasting to create an extra moisture barrier.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying? Yes. Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. This method is less hands-on and reduces grease.
How can I freeze these subs? Assemble the subs without baking, wrap each tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meatball ingredients, which leads to tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until combined.
- Using cold marinara sauce straight from the jar. Always warm it in the skillet to help the flavors meld with the meatballs.
- Overfilling the rolls, which makes them messy to eat. Aim for 4-5 meatballs per standard hoagie.
- Skipping the broil step. This short blast is crucial for achieving that restaurant-quality, bubbly, slightly crispy cheese top.
- Not letting the subs rest for 2-3 minutes after baking, which allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner slicing.
Conclusion
These cheesy meatball subs are a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly melty, savory, and satisfying meal. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a game-day gathering, this recipe is reliably delicious. Don’t forget to experiment with the serving suggestions and your own favorite toppings to make it your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!