Irresistible Italian Meatball Sub Recipe to Savor Today

The aroma of freshly baked Italian Meatball Subs wafts through the air, tickling your senses and making your stomach rumble. Picture this: warm, crusty bread cradling juicy, herb-infused meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, all ready to make your taste buds dance.

Every bite promises a symphony of flavors and textures that can turn an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering celebration. Remember that one time you tried to impress friends with your cooking skills? Spoiler alert: Italian Meatball Subs were involved, and let’s just say they were a hit!

Sharing my Italian Meatball Sub with family led to rave reviews and requests for seconds, proving that food really does bring people together.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness in the meatballs.

• Italian Breadcrumbs: These add texture and help bind the meatballs while infusing them with authentic Italian flavors.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds richness; don’t skimp on this key ingredient for maximum flavor.

• Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley are essential; fresh herbs brighten up the meatballs beautifully.

• Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for a personal touch; it’s the heart of every sub.

• Sub Rolls: Opt for hearty rolls that can hold up against the juicy meatballs and sauce without getting soggy.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly over the meatballs; use whole milk for extra creaminess.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make ITALIAN MEATBALL SUB

Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until combined but not overmixed.

Form the Meatballs: Roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for about 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through. The aroma will be heavenly.

Add Marinara Sauce: Once baked, transfer meatballs to a saucepan over medium heat. Pour marinara sauce over them and simmer gently for 5 minutes until heated through.

Prepare Sub Rolls: Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Lightly toast them in the oven for extra crunch before filling.

Assemble Your Subs: Layer meatballs in each roll generously with marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and broil until bubbly and golden.

Now you have a tantalizing dish ready to serve! Enjoy each bite of these delightful Italian Meatball Subs that bring warmth and joy to any meal.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs in a skillet, then simmer them in marinara sauce while toasting your sub rolls for an irresistible crunch.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap beef with turkey or add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano elevate the flavor beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and melty.

Creating these subs takes me back to my childhood when my grandma would whip up a batch of her famous meatballs. The whole house smelled amazing, and I’d sneak bites before they hit the table.

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs for Italian meatball subs?

Yes, frozen meatballs work well; just heat them thoroughly before serving.

What type of bread is best for Italian meatball subs?

Crusty hoagie rolls or ciabatta bread hold up best against juicy meatballs.

How do I make my own marinara sauce?

Simmer canned tomatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs for a simple homemade marinara.

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Italian Meatball Subs

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Italian Meatball Subs are a delightful combination of juicy, herb-infused meatballs nestled in crusty bread and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a taste of Italy that will impress family and friends alike. Each bite delivers rich flavors and inviting aromas that transform any meal into a celebration.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper until just mixed.
3. Roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. Transfer meatballs to a saucepan, add marinara sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Slice sub rolls lengthwise and lightly toast in the oven for added crunch.
7. Fill each roll with meatballs, top with marinara sauce, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, and broil until melted.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sub (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. - Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or add red pepper flakes for heat. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.