There’s just something about meatball subs that gets my taste buds dancing! The moment you sink your teeth into that warm, toasty sub roll filled with juicy meatballs, smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese, it’s pure heaven. Trust me, it’s hard to have just one! This easy meatball sub recipe has become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights when I need something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made these for my family; the smells wafting through the house had everyone gathering around the table in anticipation. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait for you to try it out. You’re going to love it!
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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Prepare Meatball Subs
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because we want those meatballs to bake up nice and juicy while your kitchen fills with the most delicious aroma!
Mix Ingredients for Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands here because it really helps to mix everything together well. Just get in there and squish it all until it’s fully combined. It’s messy, but so worth it!
Form the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part—shaping the mixture into meatballs! I usually aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, so they’re a good size for the subs. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not touching each other.
Bake the Meatballs
Pop those meatballs in the oven and let them bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re browned and firm to the touch. If you want to double-check, you can use a meat thermometer—155°F (68°C) is what you’re looking for! The smell will be so inviting, you might want to take a little sneak peek!
Prepare Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, grab a saucepan and heat up your marinara sauce over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. This will warm it up nicely so it’s ready for your meatballs when they’re done.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once your meatballs are baked to perfection, it’s time to add them to the marinara sauce. Gently place the meatballs into the saucepan and let them simmer together for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, and oh man, it smells amazing!
Assemble the Meatball Subs
Now, slice your sub rolls open, making a nice pocket for those meatballs. I like to stuff them generously! Place about three meatballs inside each roll, and don’t be shy—they’re meant to be hearty! Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Trust me, you’ll want that glorious, melty cheese!
Final Bake
Finally, pop the assembled meatball subs back in the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on them because no one wants burnt cheese! Once they’re out, let them cool for a minute before digging in. You’re in for a treat!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about a few tips that will take your meatball subs from good to absolutely amazing! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you want a lighter version, feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. They work beautifully and still keep that juicy flavor!
- Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, try using seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain. You can even make your own from stale bread—just toast it and crumble it up!
- Spice It Up: If you like a kick, adding red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce will give it a nice heat that balances the richness.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is classic, don’t hesitate to mix in some provolone or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy flavor!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your meatball subs with a fresh side salad or some crispy baked fries to round out the meal. It’s a hit every time!
- Cooking Adjustments: If you’re making a larger batch, just remember to space the meatballs out on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly. And don’t forget to check their internal temperature!
With these tips, you’re set for delicious, hearty meatball subs that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for these mouthwatering meatball subs! Keep in mind, these are all estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying.
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 30g
So, there you have it! These hearty meatball subs are not only delicious but also pack a good amount of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy each bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something special!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs can be a lifesaver. Just heat them in the marinara sauce until warmed through, and then assemble your subs. It’s a quick and easy alternative that still tastes great!
How do I store leftover meatball subs?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to heat through and melt that cheese back to gooey perfection!
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
You bet! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance, bake them, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the subs. Just warm them up in the marinara sauce before stuffing them into the rolls. It saves time and makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
What’s the best way to reheat these subs?
The best way to reheat your meatball subs is in the oven. Just wrap them in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you’ll keep that lovely crust on the roll while getting the inside nice and warm!
Can I make meatball subs vegetarian?
Of course! You can swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or even use lentils combined with breadcrumbs and spices for a hearty vegetarian option. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll still have a delicious sub!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious meatball subs on the table in no time!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: These hearty subs are a surefire hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, making them versatile for everyone!
- Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing quite like a warm meatball sub to bring a sense of comfort and satisfaction to your meal.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance for easy weeknight dinners, saving you time when you need it most!
Meatball Subs: 5 Comforting Bites You’ll Adore
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
Delicious meatball subs with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Składniki
- 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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slice sub rolls and place meatballs inside.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Uwagi
- Use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for spice.
- Serve with a side salad.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian-American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 sub
- Kalorie: 550
- Cukier: 6g
- Sód: 900mg
- Kwasy: 24g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 12g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: meatball subs, Italian subs, easy meatball recipe
