There’s something undeniably comforting about a good meatball sub. The moment you bite into that soft, warm roll, filled to the brim with juicy meatballs drenched in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, you just know it’s going to be a delicious experience! Meatball subs are like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a cozy night in or a fun family dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make these irresistible sandwiches again and again. They’re not just food; they’re pure comfort and joy!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup packed breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Prepare Meatball Subs
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these meatball subs is a straightforward process that’ll have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a mouthwatering meal before you know it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that cheese perfectly melted later on!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands (it’s the best tool!) to mix everything until just combined. Trust me, overmixing can toughen the meatballs!
- Next, form the mixture into meatballs—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12 meatballs. Place them on a plate while you heat up your skillet.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sear those meatballs until they’re browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds so much flavor!
- Once browned, pour in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- While the meatballs are simmering, grab a baking sheet and place your sub rolls on it. Fill each roll generously with the meatballs and sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and then pop the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finally, take them out and let them cool for a minute before serving. You don’t want to burn your mouth on that cheesy goodness!
And there you have it! Simple, delicious meatball subs that are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously hearty and satisfying—perfect for any meal!
- Quick preparation means you can whip these up in no time.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or sauces!
- Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Kid-friendly and always a hit at family gatherings.
Tips for Success
To make sure your meatball subs turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tried-and-true tips! First, don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it can make them dense instead of tender. Also, when searing your meatballs, make sure the skillet is hot enough to get a nice brown crust—it adds a ton of flavor! If you want a little extra kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into your marinara sauce. And lastly, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Trust me, these small tweaks can elevate your subs to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Each meatball sub is approximately 450 calories, packed with 20g of fat and 25g of protein, making it a hearty choice! You’ll also find about 45g of carbohydrates and 6g of sugar per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in meatball subs! They both have a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning. You could also try plant-based ground meat if you’re going for a vegetarian version. It’s all about what fits your tastes and dietary needs!
Can I make meatball subs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat everything, fill your sub rolls, top with cheese, and bake as directed. Easy peasy!
What sides pair well with meatball subs?
Meatball subs are pretty hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or crispy fries! Garlic bread is also a fantastic choice if you want to keep the Italian vibe going. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to complement those delicious flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), simply wrap the meatball subs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the subs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent the bread from getting too crispy, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll have that cheesy goodness back in no time!
For more delicious recipes, check out Baked Ziti with Meatballs or Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken.
Print
Meatball Subs: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious meatball subs with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Form mixture into meatballs.
- In a skillet, sear meatballs until browned.
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Place sub rolls on a baking sheet.
- Fill each roll with meatballs and sauce.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatball subs, Italian, sandwiches
