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Meatball Subs

Delicious homemade meatball subs featuring juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all served in a toasted sub roll.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef Use 80/20 for optimal flavor and moisture.
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs Use plain or Italian seasoned.
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Grated.
  • 1 large egg Room temperature.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Marinara Sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz can.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin for best flavor.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Assembly
  • 4 sub rolls Italian bread Hoagie rolls work well.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Shredded.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil Chopped, for garnish.

Method
 

Prepare the Meatballs
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
  4. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Make the Marinara Sauce
  1. While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Subs
  1. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and add them to the marinara sauce, gently coating them.
  2. Slice the sub rolls open, but not all the way through, creating a pocket.
  3. Place 3-4 meatballs in each sub roll and spoon additional marinara sauce over the top.
  4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs.
  5. Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Notes

These meatball subs are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.