Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the milk and mix until everything is evenly combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once heated, reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
Assemble the Meatball Subs: Once the meatballs are done, gently place them into the marinara sauce. Let them simmer for a few minutes so they soak up the flavors of the sauce.
Toast the Sub Rolls: Cut the sub rolls in half lengthwise and lightly toast them in the oven for 5 minutes, until the inside is slightly crispy but the outside remains soft.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place 3-4 meatballs on each toasted sub roll and ladle some marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish the meatball subs with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: Meatball subs are best served immediately while the cheese is melted and the meatballs are hot. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a simple side salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.
Storing: Leftover meatball subs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep the subs from getting soggy, store the meatballs and sauce separately and assemble the sandwich just before serving. Reheat the meatballs and sauce in the microwave or on the stove, then toast the rolls before assembling.
Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Freeze the meatballs in a single layer, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the sauce.
Variants:
Chicken Meatball Subs: For a lighter twist, use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef to make the meatballs. You can also add spinach or finely chopped vegetables to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Vegetarian Meatball Subs: Make vegetarian meatballs by using plant-based ingredients like lentils, quinoa, or chickpeas. Combine with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices to form the “meatballs.” You can also add shredded zucchini for a bit of moisture and texture.
Spicy Meatball Subs: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meatball mixture or the marinara sauce. For an extra kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add jalapeños to the sauce.
Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even cheddar. A blend of cheeses will also give the sandwich a unique flavor.
Garlic Butter Sub Rolls: Brush the sub rolls with garlic butter before toasting them for an extra layer of flavor. This pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs and marinara sauce.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs from the store. Simply heat them up in your marinara sauce and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you want to freeze them, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag. Then, you can cook them directly from frozen when needed.
Q: What type of marinara sauce should I use?
A: You can use store-bought marinara sauce, but homemade sauce will elevate the flavor of your meatball subs. A simple tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and basil works best, but feel free to customize it to your liking.
Q: How can I make my meatball subs spicier?
A: To make your meatball subs spicy, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for the meatballs for an extra kick.
Q: Can I make the sub rolls from scratch?
A: Yes, homemade sub rolls will add an extra touch of comfort and flavor to your meatball subs. You can find recipes online for soft, crusty rolls that are perfect for sandwiches. However, store-bought rolls work well and save time.
Meatball subs are the ultimate comfort food that can be easily customized to suit any taste. With tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, this sandwich is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering. Follow this recipe to create your own homemade meatball subs, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love!
ADVERTISEMENT
