Description
Delectable Italian meatball subs showcase classic Mediterranean flavors with juicy homemade meatballs nestled in crispy submarine rolls. Melted provolone cheese and zesty marinara sauce complete this hearty sandwich that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsps milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 2 tbsps butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meatball Preparation: Thoroughly combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, parsley, and milk in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly integrated and form a cohesive mixture.
- Shaping and Roasting: Mold meat mixture into uniform 1½-inch spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-18 minutes until golden-brown and cooked through.
- Sauce Infusion: Transfer marinara to a large skillet, enhance with oregano and garlic powder, then gently introduce roasted meatballs, allowing them to simmer and absorb rich flavors for 5 minutes.
- Roll Preparation: Brush hoagie rolls with melted butter and garlic powder, then crisp under the broiler until edges turn golden and surfaces become perfectly toasted.
- Assembly and Cheese Melting: Nestle 3-4 saucy meatballs into each toasted roll, blanket with additional marinara, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and return to broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, irresistible layer.
- Final Touch: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately while warm and appetizing.
Notes
- Prevent Tough Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently without overworking the meat to maintain a tender, soft texture and prevent dense, hard meatballs.
- Control Moisture Balance: Add milk and breadcrumbs carefully to keep meatballs juicy without becoming soggy or falling apart during cooking.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to suit personal heat preferences, creating a customized flavor profile for different palates.
- Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions, ensuring consistent texture and flavor integrity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg