Italian Meatball Subs
User Reviews
5
Italian Meatball Subs
Description
This recipe starts by mixing ground beef with seasoning including salt, black pepper, garlic powder, fresh chopped Italian parsley, grated parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, and an egg to bind the mixture. The meat is formed into large balls and browned evenly in olive oil on a skillet. Once browned, the meatballs are transferred to simmering marinara sauce to finish cooking and absorb flavor over about 20 minutes.
French bread or sub rolls are sliced open and buttered on the cut sides without slicing all the way through, preparing them for sandwich assembly. Mozzarella cheese is added over the meatballs placed inside the bread, which is then toasted or baked until the cheese melts and the bread becomes crisp. This combination yields a sandwich with a juicy, flavorful meat filling and layers of melted cheese balanced by the toasted exterior of the bread.
The texture contrast and savory tomato sauce make it a satisfying meal. This sub can be served as a filling lunch or dinner option, enjoyed fresh and warm.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese high-quality, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley diced, fresh
- 24-32 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (or more depending on taste)
- 4 French bread sliced
- 4 sub rolls sliced
- butter
Instructions
- Start with high-quality ground beef (preferably 80/20 which gives the right amount of fat for a juicy meatball). If you use 85/15, it will be a tad less juicy meatball). Mix ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, fresh parsley, egg, and parmesan cheese in a bowl. I like to use my hands to get it really incorporated together.
- Roll the meatball mixture into large balls, depending on the desired size. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once to brown both sides.
- Meanwhile, make your own homemade marinara sauce or heat jarred marinara sauce in a large pot. Once the meatballs have browned, remove from the oil and place in the pot of simmering marinara sauce. Let cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Cut bread in half, making sure not to cut all the way through. Spread butter over both sides of the bread. Put oven on the broil setting. Heat until the butter is completely melted and remove from the oven. Watch carefully as it can easily burn.
- Place cooked meatballs and sauce onto the bread and generously cover with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Top with fresh Italian parsley and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping. If you want some extra spice, top with some marinated Italian peppers.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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