Meatball Subs Recipe

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Okay, friends, let’s talk about meatball subs. This isn’t just any meatball sub; this is *the* meatball sub recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of Friday nights with the family, piled high with warm, cheesy goodness. I’d put it up against any fancy Italian restaurant’s version – seriously! It’s even easier to throw together than a lasagna, and honestly, it’s just as satisfying. The secret? A killer sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at meatball subs the same way again. It has a nice balance of flavors, which works so well.

What is a meatball sub?

So, what exactly *is* a meatball sub? Think of it as a warm hug in a sandwich. It’s essentially a long roll, usually Italian bread, sliced open and stuffed with juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, then smothered in melted cheese. Seriously, what’s not to love? The name pretty much says it all, right? But it’s more than just meatballs in a bun. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors – the soft bread, the savory meatballs, the tangy sauce, and the gooey cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. My family requests this at least once a month!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This meatball subs recipe isn’t just good; it’s *amazing*. First, the flavor is out of this world. We’re talking rich, savory meatballs that are bursting with herbs and spices, simmered in a homemade tomato sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive. What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. Seriously, don’t let the “homemade sauce” part scare you. It comes together in minutes and tastes a million times better than anything you can buy in a jar. Plus, it’s so cost-effective! You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

And let’s talk about versatility. You can serve these meatball subs as a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a game-day snack. They’re always a hit, no matter the occasion. If you’re a fan of Italian-American comfort food like spaghetti and meatballs or Baked Ziti, then you are absolutely going to adore this recipe. It hits all the same satisfying notes, but in a fun, hand-held package. What I really appreciate is that it is so customisable too.

Honestly, this is a recipe I’ve been making for years, tweaking and perfecting it until it reached meatball sub nirvana. And now, I’m sharing it with you because everyone deserves to experience the joy of a truly great meatball sub.

How do I make meatball subs?

Quick Overview

How do I make a meatball sub? What are some of the best meatball recipes? While they’re simmering in a rich tomato sauce, we’ll toast some Italian rolls and then load them up. With meatballs, sauce, and plenty of cheese. What is the best way to melt cheese in the oven? What is the best part about a meatball sub? Is the hands-on time really that much fun? I promise, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create something so incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs: What
* 1 pound GROUND BEEF (80/20 blend works best for flavor and moisture)
* 1/2 pound ground pork (adds richness and depth of flavor)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer Italian seasoned, but plain works too)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, please) * 1/2 cup parmesans cheese.
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup milk (helps keep the meatballs moist)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the meatballs)

For the Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar (balances the acidity of tomatoes)
* Salt and pepper to taste

For the Subs:
* 4 Italian rolls, split lengthwise
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a baking sheet. How do you clean subs? I usually line mine with parchment paper for extra insurance, but it’s totally optional. I also get my ingredients for the meatballs ready too.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. What makes meatballs so good? Is it OK to eat meatballs?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Then, add the minced garlic. The milk helps to keep the meatballs super tender, while the garlic adds a nice, pungent kick. Don’t skip this step – it makes a big difference!

Step 4: Combine

Now, pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Add the ground beef and ground pork. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. You want them to be light and tender, not dense and chewy. I normally get my hands dirty by just mixing the bowl and squashing with my hands. It works so well!

Step 5: Form Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. I find that using a cookie scoop helps to keep them uniform in size, but you can also just eyeball them. How do I make sure all of my potatoes are the same size? Set meatballs aside on a plate or tray.

Step 6: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, working in batches if necessary. How do I avoid over Brown meatballs on all sides until they’re nicely seared. This step is crucial for developing flavor and sealing in the juices. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point – they’ll finish cooking in the oven. How do I get the brown on all sides?

Step 7: Make the Sauce

Remove meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What is the best way to prepare the tomato sauce? Stir in the Italian herbs, sugar, and salt. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 8: Simmer

Gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they will be. Where does the magic happen – meatballs soak up all that delicious sauce, becoming a perfect snack. incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 9: Assemble the Subs

While the meatballs are simmering, split the Italian rolls lengthwise. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. How do you top a roll of meatballs with mozzarella cheese? Don’t be shy with cheese – the more, the merrier!

Step 10: Bake & Serve

Bake the meatball subs in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice in half and serve immediately. Enjoy every single bite!

What to Serve It With

Meatball subs are pretty amazing on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides. For a casual weeknight dinner, I love serving them with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the subs. If you’re serving these for a party or gathering, consider adding some classic Italian sides like Garlic Bread, Caprese salad, or roasted vegetables. These complement the flavors of the meatball subs perfectly and add a nice variety to your spread.

For a cozy snack, I usually serve with some potato chips and some dip. It is a great flavour combination. If I am serving for brunch, I love doing a meatball sub station with some fried eggs and bacon too. A simple mimosa also goes very well too!

If you’re looking to make a complete meal, try serving the meatball subs with a side of pasta. Penne or spaghetti tossed with a simple tomato sauce or pesto would be delicious. Or, for something a little different, try serving them with a side of creamy polenta. The creamy texture of the polenta pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs and sauce. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! Just go with what you love and what complements the flavors of the meatball subs.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Meatball Subs Recipe

Want to take your meatball subs to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips for perfecting this recipe:

Meatball Moisture: Make sure to add enough milk to the meatball mixture. This helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more milk until it reaches the right consistency.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture! Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Gently mix everything together until just combined.

Meatball Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that the meatballs are uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, mozzarella, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious. Or, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat.

baking tips: Keep a close eye on the subs while they’re baking. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but you don’t want the rolls to burn. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

Glaze Variations: Make sure to taste as you go, you can amend the subs as you wish.

Italian roll choice: It makes a difference getting the right roll. It may be worth testing a few out with the sauce separately beforehand to see which one works best for you.

These are all small tips that have helped me perfect this recipe over the years, and I hope they’ll help you too. Happy cooking!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Meatball subs can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t advise storing at room temperature for any longer than 2 hours maximum, just to avoid any potential for bacteria growth. It is important to cover them too.

Refrigerator Storage: To store in the refrigerator, wrap each sub individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They’ll keep for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze meatball subs, wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: To reheat, you can microwave, bake, or pan-fry the subs. Microwaving is the quickest option, but it can make the rolls a bit soggy. Baking in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes will give you the best results. Pan-frying is also a great option – just heat a little olive oil in a skillet and cook the subs until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can definitely make this meatball subs recipe gluten-free! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture and gluten-free Italian rolls for the subs. There are some excellent gluten-free breadcrumb options available now that work really well. Just check the ingredients to ensure they are truly gluten-free.

Do I need to use ground beef and ground pork?

While I highly recommend using both ground beef and ground pork for the best flavor and texture, you can certainly substitute one for the other if you prefer. For instance, if you only have ground beef on hand, you can use 1.5 pounds of ground beef instead of the 1 pound of beef and 1/2 pound of pork. You could also use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of the pork, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often make the meatballs a day or two in advance. Simply prepare the meatball mixture, form the meatballs, and then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. You can also cook the meatballs ahead of time and then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly before assembling the subs.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you like a little heat, there are several ways to spice up the sauce. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering, or you can add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You could also use spicy Italian sausage in place of the ground pork in the meatballs. Just be careful not to add too much spice, as you don’t want to overpower the other flavors.

Can I use pre-made tomato sauce?

While I always recommend making the tomato sauce from scratch for the best flavor, you can certainly use a pre-made tomato sauce in a pinch. Just make sure to choose a high-quality sauce that you enjoy. You may also want to add a little extra Italian herbs, garlic powder, and sugar to enhance the flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my ultimate meatball subs recipe! I truly believe that this is the best meatball sub you’ll ever taste. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. If you’re keen for more sub recipes, why not check out my chicken fillet sub recipe.

I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try. And when you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your own variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious meatball subs!

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