Description
Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
500g ground beef or pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
4 sub rolls
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper
.
Form into small meatballs and set aside.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and fully cooked through
.
Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes
.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
.
Place the sub rolls on a baking tray. Fill each roll with meatballs and sauce
.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese
.
4. Bake:
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm
.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Mix Thoroughly: In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Use your hands to mix until just combined; overmixing makes tough meatballs.
2. Form Consistently: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Using a small cookie scoop ensures even size for uniform cooking.
3. Brown Properly: In a skillet with a bit of oil, brown meatballs in batches over medium heat. Don’t crowd the pan. They don’t need to be fully cooked inside yet.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Return all meatballs to the skillet, add marinara, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. This infuses flavor and finishes cooking.
5. Prepare Rolls: Slice sub rolls almost all the way through, leaving a “hinge.” Hollow out some bread from the top to create a well for the meatballs.
6. Assemble & Bake: Fill each roll with meatballs and sauce, top generously with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes until cheese is golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your meatball sub with classic sides to complete the meal. A simple green salad with Italian dressing cuts through the richness. For a heartier plate, add crispy potato wedges or garlic bread. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Don’t forget napkins—these are deliciously messy!
How-to Summary
To make a meatball sub, mix and form meatballs from ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings. Brown them in a skillet, then simmer in marinara sauce. Load the saucy meatballs into sub rolls, top with mozzarella, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made or frozen meatballs? Absolutely. For a quick version, use high-quality frozen meatballs. Simmer them directly in the marinara sauce until heated through before assembling.
How can I prevent my sub rolls from getting soggy? Lightly toast the insides of the rolls before adding the meatballs and sauce. This creates a protective barrier against moisture.
What’s a good cheese alternative to mozzarella? Provolone offers a sharper flavor, while a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan adds complexity. For melty creaminess, try Fontina.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes. Cook and sauce the meatballs fully, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling and baking the sandwiches.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats for the meatballs. Ensure your marinara is gluten-free and serve on gluten-free sub rolls or over pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: This develops the proteins and results in dense, tough meatballs. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Using Cold Meat: Let your ground meat sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing. It blends more easily and stays tender.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Browning creates a flavorful crust. Simmering alone will steam them and they’ll lack depth of flavor.
- Overfilling the Sandwich: Too many meatballs or sauce makes the sub impossible to eat neatly. Aim for 4-5 meatballs per 6-inch roll.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect meatball sub is about balancing flavorful, tender meatballs with a rich sauce and melted cheese, all held in a perfectly toasted roll. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can easily recreate this comforting classic at home. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that proves simple ingredients, when treated with care, yield extraordinary results. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!