Delicious Meatball Recipe for Meatball Subs A Perfect Sandwich DelightIf you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal, a meatball sub is a great choice. With juicy, flavorful meatballs stuffed into a soft, toasted sub roll and smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this meatball recipe for meatball subs will certainly hit the spot.
Why Meatball Subs Are So Popular
Meatball subs are a classic American comfort food, combining the best of both worlds tender meatballs and the delicious flavors of a sandwich. The dish is incredibly versatile; you can customize it to suit your preferences by changing the type of meat, the sauce, and the toppings. Plus, meatball subs are easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Key Ingredients for Meatball Subs
The ingredients for making meatball subs are simple but essential to getting that perfect, flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need
1. Ground Meat
The base of your meatballs will be ground meat. While beef is the most common choice, you can also use ground pork, turkey, or a combination of meats. Beef provides a rich, savory flavor, while pork adds moisture, and turkey gives a lighter option. Choose the meat that best fits your taste preferences.
2. Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are used to bind the meatballs and provide texture. They also help absorb moisture, making the meatballs tender and juicy. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones, depending on the flavor you’re aiming for.
3. Eggs
Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the meatballs. They also contribute to the overall moisture and tenderness of the meatballs.
4. Cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese is often added to the meatball mixture for flavor. It gives the meatballs a nice, salty kick. For the sub sandwich, mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for its melty texture, but you can also use provolone or any cheese you prefer.
5. Garlic and Onion
A little garlic and onion go a long way in seasoning the meatballs. Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder, along with finely chopped onions, add a savory depth of flavor that complements the meat.
6. Marinara Sauce
The sauce is a critical component of a meatball sub. You can either use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own. It should be rich, flavorful, and tomato-based, providing the perfect balance to the meatballs.
7. Sub Rolls
The bread for your meatball sub needs to be soft but sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy meatballs and sauce. Sub rolls, hoagie buns, or baguettes are ideal choices. You’ll want them to be lightly toasted for a perfect bite.
8. Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
Basil, oregano, and parsley are commonly used herbs in meatball recipes. They help enhance the flavor of both the meatballs and the marinara sauce.
Step-by-Step Meatball Recipe for Meatball Subs
Now that you know the essential ingredients, let’s get into how to make the perfect meatballs for your subs. Follow these simple steps for delicious meatball subs every time.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 jar of marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
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4 sub rolls
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
2. Form the Meatballs Use your hands to form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If you want to make larger meatballs, you can adjust the size accordingly. Aim for even-sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate.
3. Cook the Meatballs In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through. If you have large meatballs, you may need to cook them a little longer.
4. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce Once the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to fully cook through.
5. Toast the Sub Rolls While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sub rolls on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
6. Assemble the Meatball Subs Once the meatballs are ready and the rolls are toasted, it’s time to assemble your subs. Place 3-4 meatballs on each sub roll, and spoon some marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
7. Melt the Cheese Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning the bread.
8. Serve and Enjoy Once the cheese is melted and the meatball subs are piping hot, remove them from the oven. Serve immediately with a side of chips, a salad, or your favorite dip.
Tips for Perfect Meatball Subs
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Make Ahead You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. This makes meal prep a breeze on busy days.
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Flavor Variations If you like your meatball subs with a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them over the meatballs before baking. You can also try different cheeses, like provolone or gouda, for a unique twist.
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Add Veggies To make your meatball subs more balanced, consider adding some fresh veggies. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be a great addition.
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Perfect for Leftovers If you have any leftover meatball subs, they reheat beautifully. Just wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Meatball Subs
Meatball subs are a perfect combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese all wrapped in a soft, toasty roll. They are easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, meatball subs will quickly become a go-to favorite.
This meatball recipe for meatball subs is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and ease. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or a weekend get-together, these meatball subs will be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade sandwich that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.