Ultimate Meatball Sub Sandwiches

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Published: 20/02/2025


Ultimate Meatball Sub Sandwiches

If you're craving a hearty and satisfying meal, look no further than our Ultimate Meatball Sub Sandwiches. This recipe is a delicious combination of savory flavors and textures that come together in a classic comfort food dish. Each bite is filled with tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a soft sub roll, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. It's the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or any time you're in the mood for something truly indulgent.

To create these mouthwatering meatball sub sandwiches, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Start with fresh, high-quality ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork to make the juiciest meatballs. For seasoning, use a blend of garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and breadcrumbs to give them that authentic Italian flavor. Once the meatballs are perfectly browned, simmer them in a robust marinara sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

The key to the ultimate meatball sub sandwich is in the assembly. Choose a soft, yet sturdy sub roll that can hold up to the delicious filling. Spoon the saucy meatballs into the roll, making sure to cover them with extra sauce for added moisture. Top with slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese, then broil the sandwiches until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve these incredible sandwiches hot, perhaps with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these Ultimate Meatball Sub Sandwiches are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling completely content.

Serving size :4 people
Calories :800 kcal
Sugar :15.00 g
Fat :500.00 g
Carbohydrates :80.00 g
Protein :400.00 g
Cholesterol :300.00 g

Ingredients :

Instructions :

1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
3Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-16 meatballs.
5In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches.
7Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown.
8Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish.
9Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated.
10Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
11While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sub rolls by slicing them lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
12Once the meatballs are done cooking, remove them from the oven and preheat your broiler on high.
13Place the sub rolls on a baking sheet.
14Spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce into the opened sub rolls.
15Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
16Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
17Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
18Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using.
19Serve the meatball sub sandwiches hot.

Notes :

  • Use high-quality ground beef with a good balance of fat (80/20) for juicier meatballs.
  • Fresh breadcrumbs can be made by processing day-old bread in a food processor for a finer texture compared to store-bought.
  • If you prefer, substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko for a lighter texture.
  • To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped fresh garlic and onion instead of their powdered forms.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will have more flavor than pre-grated.
  • Gently beat the egg before adding it to the meat mixture for easier incorporation.
  • To check seasoning, cook a small piece of the meat mixture before forming all the meatballs.
  • Use a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop to portion out uniform meatballs for even cooking.
  • If you prefer baking to frying, bake meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • For a healthier option, use turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Consider using a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron to prevent sticking.
  • If your marinara sauce is thick, thin it with a little water or stock before pouring over meatballs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • For a crispier sub roll, toast them lightly before adding meatballs and sauce.
  • Use mozzarella cheese slices or shredded mozzarella as a substitute for provolone if preferred.
  • Keep a close eye on the broiler as the cheese can burn quickly.
  • Allow the sandwiches to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or omitted altogether if unavailable.
  • Serve with a side of salad or chips for a complete meal.

Tips :

  • Ensure the ground beef is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use a gentle hand when mixing the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
  • Wet your hands slightly before shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • If you have time, let the meatballs rest in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
  • When browning the meatballs, ensure your skillet is hot enough to sear them quickly and lock in the juices.
  • If the marinara sauce is too thick, thin it slightly with a bit of water or beef broth before pouring over the meatballs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
  • For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground veal or turkey.
  • Lightly toast the sub rolls before assembling for added texture and flavor.
  • Use a good quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best taste.
  • If you prefer a cheesier sandwich, add an extra slice of provolone or some grated mozzarella.
  • Let the sandwiches rest for a minute after broiling to allow the cheese to set slightly.
  • Serve with a side salad or oven-baked fries for a complete meal.
  • Fresh basil adds a nice touch, but parsley or arugula can be used as alternative garnishes.

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Ultimate Meatball Sub Sandwiches

Servingsize: 4 people Calories: 800000 kcal Sugar: 15.00 g Fat: 500.00 g Carbohydrates: 80.00 g Protein: 400.00 g Cholesterol: 300.00 g

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Readers comments and reviews

Mason says: 24/03/2025 17:46
So easy to make and incredibly tasty! I'll definitely be making these again!
Jacob says: 21/03/2025 18:56
I can't believe how easy it was to make these! They taste like they came from a restaurant!
Harry says: 18/03/2025 21:03
I followed the recipe exactly and they turned out amazing! Highly recommend!
Charlotte says: 18/03/2025 19:55
Absolutely delicious! The meatballs are so flavorful and juicy!
Ella says: 12/03/2025 11:54
These meatball subs have become a regular in our household. So good!
Ethan says: 09/03/2025 14:41
Best meatball sub recipe I've ever tried! The meatballs are so juicy and full of flavor, my family couldn't get enough!
Olivia says: 08/03/2025 19:54
Best meatball sub recipe ever! I love how simple yet delicious it is!
Madison says: 07/03/2025 07:14
I'm never buying meatball subs again after making these! They are a game-changer and so satisfying!
George says: 06/03/2025 04:50
I can't believe how easy this recipe was! The subs turned out restaurant-quality and my family loved them!
Harper says: 04/03/2025 10:31
I expected more flavor overall; it was just okay.
Scarlett says: 03/03/2025 02:41
These meatball subs are absolutely delicious! The flavors are incredible and the sauce is perfect!
Michael says: 01/03/2025 15:53
The meatballs were good, but the sauce was a bit too salty for my taste.
Isabella says: 28/02/2025 10:26
It was decent, but I’ve had better meatball subs elsewhere.
William says: 28/02/2025 02:25
This is hands down the best meatball sub recipe I've ever tried!
Isabella says: 27/02/2025 15:10
This is by far the best meatball sub recipe I've ever tried! The sauce is so delicious and complements the meatballs perfectly!
Mia says: 27/02/2025 09:05
The bread was nice, but the meatballs could use a little more seasoning.
Scarlett says: 26/02/2025 17:13
I made these for a family gathering and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them!
Leo says: 26/02/2025 09:33
The combination of flavors in this sandwich is out of this world!
Sophia says: 25/02/2025 20:53
Not bad, but it didn’t wow me like I hoped it would.
Elijah says: 25/02/2025 13:30
These meatball subs are perfection! I can't get enough of the sauce!
Leo says: 23/02/2025 17:41
I made these for game day and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them, definitely a keeper!
Sophia says: 22/02/2025 19:39
These meatball subs are absolutely incredible! The flavors are out of this world!
Jackson says: 22/02/2025 15:49
This recipe is a game changer! My family loved it, and I’ll be making it again for sure!
Victoria says: 22/02/2025 05:26
I can't get enough of these meatball sandwiches! They are the ultimate comfort food!
Luke says: 21/02/2025 10:07
Best meatball sub I've ever had! The meatballs are so juicy and flavorful!
Jack says: 21/02/2025 08:38
I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out perfect! Highly recommend to everyone!
Henry says: 21/02/2025 07:45
These meatball subs are absolutely fantastic! The flavors are incredible and the meatballs are perfectly cooked!
Grace says: 20/02/2025 17:40
This is now my go-to recipe for meatball subs! Delicious and so easy to make!