Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs 5 mins
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Total Time
3 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
8 subs
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Calories
526 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Description
These Slow Cooker Meatball Subs begin with a seasoned meat mixture combining Italian sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, and Italian seasoning herbs. The meatball mixture is carefully portioned into 24 uniform balls and layered in a slow cooker, covered with marinara sauce, and slow-cooked on low or high until cooked through and tender. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld and juices to infuse the meatballs.
The cooked meatballs and sauce are served on sandwich buns and topped with shredded mozzarella, which melts into the warm sauce and meatballs. The texture is tender and moist inside, with a flavorful and slightly cheesy finish. The subs make a substantial meal, pairing well with simple sides like a salad or chips for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
The recipe balances ingredients to avoid overmixing meat, which keeps the texture from becoming tough. The stepwise shaping method ensures consistent size and cooking. This dish can be prepared ahead to have meatballs ready for quick assembly.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs $0.32
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese $0.88, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
- 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning $0.05
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02
- 2 large egg $0.39
- 1/4 cup milk $0.05
- 1 lb. Italian sausage $4.99
- 1 lb. ground beef $6.99, lean, 90% lean or higher
- 1 oz. jar marinara sauce $1.50
Subs
- 8 Bun $3.50, or rolls
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese $0.62, shredded
Instructions
- Lightly whisk two large eggs in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Italian sausage and ground beef to a large bowl with the whisked egg, breadcrumb mixture, and milk Use your hands to mix the ingredients together. Avoid overmixing the meat.
- Divide and shape the meat into 24 meatballs, about 3 Tbps each. The easiest way to do this is to first divide the meat mixture into four equal portions, then divide each of those in half to make eight equal portions. Finally, divide each of the 8 portions of meat into thirds and shape them into balls to make 24 meatballs.
- Place half of the meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker in a single layer and cover with half of the marinara sauce. Add the rest of the meatballs then top with the remaining sauce.
- Cook the meatballs on high for three hours or low for six hours.
- After cooking, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached 165°F. Give the meatballs and sauce a good stir to remix the sauce (there will be some fat pooling on the surface).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the buns on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, then pile three meatballs into each bun. Spoon some of the extra sauce over each one. Top each sub with a little shredded cheese.
- Bake the meatball subs in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the buns are toasty. Enjoy hot!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8subs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 526 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1sub | |
| Calories | 526kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Sodium | 1346mg | 56% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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