There’s something special about the smell of homemade meatball subs. It brings back memories of my first time making them. It was a rainy Friday, and I wanted something warm and tasty.
I made juicy meatballs and put them in a soft hoagie roll. Then, I covered them in marinara sauce. My friends and I took our first bites and smiled. We all agreed, they were the best meatball subs ever!
With every bite, the flavors mixed together perfectly. It was like a warm hug in our mouths. I didn’t know then, but I would soon love making all kinds of meatball subs.
They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering. Homemade meatball subs always make everyone happy.
What are Meatball Subs?
Meatball subs are a tasty sandwich. They have juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. They are served on a big submarine or hoagie roll.
This sandwich is a favorite for many. I use 3-4 meatballs for each sub. This makes sure every bite is full of flavor.
In Italian-American food, these sandwiches mix old recipes with new ways to cook. The meatballs are made with ground beef and Italian sausage. They are flavored with garlic and parsley.
I add Italian-style breadcrumbs for texture. Egg and Parmesan cheese make them rich. This makes the meatballs special.
Making a meatball sub takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It cooks for 15 minutes. After baking and broiling the cheese, it’s a gooey treat.
With every bite, you get a mix of flavors and textures. This makes it a meal that people love for a long time.
Best Meatball Sub Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
To make the best meatball sub, you need two key things: homemade meatballs and marinara sauce. With the right ingredients and steps, you’ll have a tasty meal.
Ingredients for Homemade Meatballs
Here’s what you need for the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 fat content)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- ¾ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Mix all the ingredients well. Add a bit of water to keep the meatballs juicy. Make balls about 2-3 oz each. Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until done.
Preparing the Marinara Sauce
A good marinara sauce is essential for a meatball sub. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
- 2 (16 oz) cans of crushed tomatoes
- 8 fresh basil leaves or 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1½ tsp ground black pepper (with more to taste)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Start by cooking garlic and onion in olive oil. Then add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Add herbs and spices. Let it simmer to mix the flavors well. Serve with your meatballs and lots of sauce on each sub.
Easy Meatball Sub Recipe for Busy Nights
Looking for a quick meatball sub that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This easy meatball sub recipe is perfect for chaotic weeknights. It uses pre-cooked frozen meatballs for a fast meal.
To start, I gather the basics: frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, hoagie rolls, and cheese. I heat the marinara sauce and add the frozen meatballs. It takes about 25 minutes to warm everything up.
Each sandwich gets three to four meatballs and at least one tablespoon of marinara sauce. This makes each bite hearty and delicious.
After heating the meatballs, I put them in the hoagie rolls. I add provolone cheese and broil for one to two minutes. This makes the cheese melt and the rolls crispy. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.
This easy meatball sub recipe is a comforting meal that satisfies. It’s perfect for when I need something tasty and easy to make.
Classic Meatball Sub Sandwich: A Family Favorite
The classic meatball sub is a favorite for many families. It starts with picking the right bread. This bread should match the meatballs and marinara sauce well.
Choosing the Right Bread for Your Subs
Choosing the right bread is key for a great meatball sub. I like using crusty hoagie or sub rolls. They keep the sandwich together without getting soggy.
These rolls should be about 8 inches long. Toasting them for 1 to 2 minutes adds a nice crunch. It also makes the sandwich taste better.
Essential Toppings for Meatball Subs
There are many toppings for meatball subs. I suggest adding gooey mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan for extra flavor. Fresh basil adds a nice aroma.
Mini mozzarella balls and hot pepper rings are also great. They add spice and fun to the sandwich. These toppings make the meal satisfying for everyone.
How to Make Meatball Subs at Home
Making meatball subs at home is easy and fun. First, I gather all the ingredients. You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef, ½ cup of Italian bread crumbs, and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget the spices like dried oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Then, cooking takes another 10 minutes. I shape the meat into 1-inch balls and brown them in a skillet. After browning, I cover them with marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
Next, I preheat the oven to 425°F. I toast the sub rolls for 3 minutes. Then, I put three meatballs in each roll and add marinara sauce. I sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese on top. The subs go back in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
When they’re done, I have a tasty homemade meatball sub. I like to add a slice of Tillamook Medium White Cheddar cheese and broil it for 2-3 minutes. This makes the cheese extra gooey and delicious.
Delicious Meatball Sub Ideas You Must Try
Exploring meatball sub ideas can make this classic dish exciting. I love trying new flavor combinations. This adds a fun twist to the usual recipe.
Meatball Subs with Unique Flavor Combinations
Try using ground turkey or plant-based options instead of beef and pork. This gives a lighter taste. Spicy marinara sauce adds warmth.
Sautéed onions and peppers add a savory flavor. They go well with the meatballs.
- Try using Gouda or cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy finish.
- Experiment with mixing in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic touch.
- Add a hint of heat by including crushed red pepper flakes in your meatball mixture.
- Top your subs with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy punch.
These unique flavors make the dish better and let you personalize it. Try these ideas and find your new favorite meatball sub. Let your creativity shine!
Ultimate Meatball Sub Ingredients you Need
To make a tasty meatball sub, you need the right ingredients. The key is the meat. I use 600 grams of lean ground beef for six big meatballs.
For texture, I soak 3 cups of bread in 1 cup of milk. Then, I add 3 eggs to bind it all. Don’t forget 3 cloves of garlic for flavor.
Now, let’s talk cheese. I add 3/4 cups of Parmigiano Reggiano for flavor. I also use 2 tablespoons of parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
The sauce is where the magic happens. I use 4-5 cups of tomato sauce. It’s made with crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar, and olive oil.
When assembling, I put 4 meatballs and marinara on each sub. Then, I add 2-4 slices of mozzarella cheese. I bake it at 400°F for 5 minutes.
With these ingredients, I make a dish everyone loves. It’s all about using quality ingredients to make it special.
Meatball Sub Toppings: Elevate Your Sandwich
Creating a tasty meatball sub is all about the toppings. Marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese are great, but try new things too. Pickled jalapenos add heat and crunch.
Habanero peppers are very spicy, with a Scoville unit of 350,000. Jalapeños are milder, with 8,000 units.
For a fresh touch, add arugula or roasted red peppers. Homemade garlic butter on the bread adds a savory taste. Caramelized onions add sweetness, taking about 45 minutes to prepare.
Try different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. They add depth to your sub. Bell peppers are tasty and full of vitamin C.
Don’t forget sauces like sub sauce or mayo. They bring everything together. Adding your favorite toppings makes the meal special.
Serving Meatball Subs for a Crowd
Preparing meatball subs for a crowd needs planning. Make lots of meatballs and sauce early. Use a slow cooker to keep everything warm and free up your time.
For a fun touch, set up a DIY meatball sub bar. Guests can pick their toppings. This way, everyone gets to make their own perfect sub.
Use hoagie or stadium sandwich rolls for the subs. Cut them only on one side to keep them sturdy. Add sides like chips and salads for a complete feast.
