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Irresistible Meatball Sub Recipe Easy Homemade Melted Mozzarella Delight

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A quick and easy meatball sub with juicy homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz / 480ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 fresh sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • 8 ounces (225g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • Butter or olive oil, for toasting the buns

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 12 even meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased skillet.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 15 minutes or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C). Alternatively, brown in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. In a medium saucepan, heat marinara sauce with olive oil and red pepper flakes over low-medium heat until warmed through.
  5. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
  6. Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Lightly butter or brush olive oil on cut sides and toast under broiler or toaster oven until golden and crispy.
  7. Spoon 3 meatballs with sauce into each toasted roll. Top with about 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese per sub.
  8. Place assembled subs under broiler or in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute before serving.

Notes

Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F. Toast rolls just before assembling to prevent sogginess. Simmering meatballs in sauce improves flavor and juiciness. Adding a splash of milk to meatball mixture can keep them moist. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls. For lighter option, swap ground turkey and use part-skim mozzarella.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sub, homemade meatballs, melted mozzarella, comfort food, easy sandwich, quick dinner