Classic Meatball Sub Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic!

There’s nothing quite like a hearty meatball sub to satisfy a big appetite. Featuring homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey, melted cheese, this recipe will show you how to put together the perfect meatball sub that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• For the Sub Assembly:
• 4 sub rolls, sliced lengthwise
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice brown exterior.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the baked meatballs to the marinara sauce and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Place your sub rolls on a baking sheet. If desired, you can lightly toast them in the oven for 3-5 minutes for extra texture.
8. Spoon an even amount of meatballs and marinara sauce into each sub roll.
9. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Place the subs back into the oven and broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if using, and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

• For a leaner option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Enhance the flavor of your meatballs by adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine to the mix.
• For an added kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in your marinara sauce.
• Don’t over-mix the meatball ingredients; doing so can make the meatballs tough.
• Use a cookie scoop to make uniform meatballs easily.
• Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

This classic Meatball Sub recipe is the perfect meal for any day of the week. With tender, flavorful meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to serve these subs with a side of chips or a crisp salad for a complete meal!