Cheesy Basil Turkey Meatball Subs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
40 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Basil Turkey Meatball Subs
Description
This recipe blends ground turkey with egg, ricotta, Parmesan, fresh basil, breadcrumbs, garlic, and seasoning to form moist meatballs. The mixture is handled gently to avoid toughening. After forming meatballs, they are browned in olive oil on the stovetop to develop a golden sear that locks in juices. Marinara sauce is poured over the seared meatballs, which are topped with fresh mozzarella and baked until the cheese melts and the meatballs cook through.
The finished meatballs are flavorful with a balance of fresh and dried basil and rich cheeses infusing the turkey mixture. Placing the meatballs in sub rolls and heating briefly crisps the bread slightly and allows the cheese to meld into the sandwich. This layering creates a comforting sandwich with contrasting textures and fresh herbal notes from basil garnishes and Parmesan.
Serving these subs warm allows the cheese to remain gooey and the meat balanced in moisture. Additional Parmesan and crushed red pepper can be added on top for extra flavor and mild heat. This recipe offers a tasty way to enjoy turkey in sandwich form with a cheese-forward profile and herbaceous accents.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 egg lightly beaten, large
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 tablespoons ricotta cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving
- ⅓ cup basil plus more for topping, chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- olive oil for browning
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese torn into pieces, fresh
- sub rolls for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, garlic, ricotta, parmesan, fresh basil, bread crumbs, dried basil, garlic powder, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined - don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough!
- Heat a drop of olive oil in an oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown all over, just until golden and seared. This will take about 10 minutes. I like to roll and flip them with a spoon to keep them from breaking apart.
- After the meatballs are seared, pour in your marinara sauce. Top with the fresh mozzarella. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan and sprinkle all over with fresh basil, parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper.
- If you’d like to make these into sandwiches, keep the oven on. Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Spoon the meatballs (and their cheese!) into the sub rolls. Stick the pan back in the oven for 5 minutes, so the buns get toasty. Remove and top with fresh basil.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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