Italian meatball subs are the ultimate comfort food, and trust me, they never fail to bring a smile to my face! There’s just something magical about sinking your teeth into a warm, toasty roll filled with juicy, homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the aroma filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s a joy to watch friends and family come together over these hearty sandwiches, sharing stories and laughter, with sauce dripping down their chins. You’ve got to try making these yourself!
Ingredients for Italian Meatball Subs
Gathering fresh ingredients is key to making these delicious Italian meatball subs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a sandwich that’s hearty and satisfying. Trust me, using fresh herbs and quality marinara makes all the difference in the world!
How to Prepare Italian Meatball Subs
Preparing these Italian meatball subs is a straightforward process that’s sure to impress. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for perfectly baked meatballs. Next, you’ll mix all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl—this is where the magic begins! Once the mixture is ready, shape it into meatballs, and then it’s time to bake them. After they’re golden and cooked through, let’s give them a cozy bath in marinara sauce before we assemble our subs. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Prepping the Meatballs
To prep the meatballs, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. I like to use my hands for this part—it’s messy, but so satisfying! Just mix until everything is well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Once it’s all mixed together, form the mixture into meatballs about one inch in diameter. They don’t have to be perfect; a little variation adds character! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ready for their oven debut.
Baking the Meatballs
Now, pop those delicious meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Make sure they’re spaced out well on the baking sheet so they cook evenly. You want them to be nicely browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside—just perfect! It’s hard to resist the aroma wafting through the kitchen, but hang tight; they’ll be ready in no time! A meat thermometer can help here; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Simmering in Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, grab a saucepan and heat your marinara sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the sauce, ensuring they’re all coated in that rich, flavorful goodness. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes—this step is crucial! It allows the meatballs to soak up all that delicious flavor from the sauce, making every bite an explosion of taste. This is where they really come to life, so don’t skip it!
Assembling the Subs
Now comes the fun part—assembling your subs! Slice open each sub roll and place a generous portion of those saucy meatballs inside. I like to pile them high; there’s no such thing as too many meatballs! Then, sprinkle a hearty handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finally, place the assembled subs back in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll want to keep an eye on them to avoid burning, but the anticipation will be worth it when you pull them out, gooey and golden!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your Italian meatball subs, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, always opt for fresh herbs—trust me, the flavor is unbeatable! If you want to customize the seasoning, feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste buds. And don’t forget to serve extra marinara sauce on the side; it’s perfect for dipping! For a little extra flair, try adding sliced jalapeños or roasted red peppers for a bit of heat. Lastly, a sprinkle of fresh basil on top before serving takes these subs from good to absolutely amazing!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note! The nutritional information provided for these Italian meatball subs can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check labels and adjust for your own dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious creation without worry!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these Italian meatball subs? I’ve got you covered! First off, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again. Want to switch things up? You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. If you don’t have sub rolls, hoagie or baguette works great too! And for serving, these subs pair wonderfully with a side salad or some crispy potato chips for that perfect crunch. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly and loved by all ages
- Customizable to your taste—add your favorite toppings!
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in
- Hearty and satisfying—truly a comfort food classic
For more delicious recipes, check out Baked Ziti with Meatballs or Classic Italian Meatballs.
Print
Italian Meatball Subs: 5 Reasons They Bring Pure Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Savory Italian meatball subs are a delicious sandwich filled with meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slice sub rolls and place meatballs inside.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the subs in the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: italian meatball subs
