Meatball Sub
Are you ready to indulge in a classic comfort food? The meatball sub is a delicious sandwich that combines savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in a soft roll. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night at home. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
– 4 sub rolls
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each meatball sub (1 serving) contains approximately:
– Calories: 500
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 50g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
5. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and let simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through.
8. Place the meatballs into the rolls, spooning extra sauce on top.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
10. Place the filled rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based meat alternatives or make meatballs using lentils and veggies. Additionally, gluten-free bread can be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving and Pairings
Serve your meatball sub with a side of crispy potato fries or a fresh green salad. A light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette on the salad will complement the richness of the sandwich perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also freeze the meatballs separately for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the meat mixture can lead to tough meatballs.
- Not browning the meatballs can result in a less flavorful dish.
- Using stale bread for breadcrumbs can affect texture.
- Skipping the simmering step can make the sauce less integrated.
- Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven cooking.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste.
- Toast the sub rolls before filling for added crunch.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like provolone.
- Make the meatballs ahead of time to save on prep.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, using frozen meatballs is a convenient option. Just ensure they are heated through in the sauce before serving.
What kind of bread is best for a meatball sub?
A soft yet sturdy bread like hoagie rolls or sub sandwich bread works best to hold the meatballs and sauce without breaking.
How can I make the sauce from scratch?
You can sauté garlic and onions, then add crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano for a homemade marinara sauce.
Can I make meatball subs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Assemble the subs just before baking for best results.
What side dishes pair well with meatball subs?
Potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad are great side options to complement the hearty sandwich.
Conclusion
The meatball sub is a timeless classic that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Whether hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress!
Meatball Sub
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Slice the sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through.
- Place the meatballs into the rolls, spooning extra sauce on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.