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meatball subs

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Introduction

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few dishes rival the classic meatball sub. This iconic sandwich combines tender, savory meatballs with marinara sauce and melted cheese, all nestled in a warm, crusty roll. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual party, meatball subs are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Subs:
  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

this recipe
  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Shape the mixture into 12-16 meatballs, depending on your preferred size.
  • Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown exterior.
  1. Warm the Marinara Sauce:
  • While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  1. Assemble the Subs:
  • Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through, leaving a hinge on one side.
  • Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce onto each roll, then add 3-4 meatballs per sub.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. For extra cheesiness, you can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  1. Broil the Subs:
  • Preheat your broiler on high.
  • Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  1. Serve:
  • Remove the subs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and enjoy!

Why Meatball Subs Are a Hit

Meatball subs are not just about the delicious combination of flavors; they’re also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning of the meatballs to suit your taste, use different types of cheese, or even add extras like sautéed onions or peppers. They’re also a great way to use leftover meatballs or sauce.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or hosting a casual gathering, meatball subs are sure to impress. With their juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Give this recipe a try and discover why meatball subs have become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere.

Serving and Storage Tips for Meatball Subs

Serving Tips

  1. Presentation: Serve meatball subs immediately after broiling to enjoy them at their meltiest and most flavorful. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and extra freshness.
  2. Accompaniments: Pair your meatball subs with a side of crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a complete meal. Pickles or a side of coleslaw can add a nice crunch and balance to the rich flavors of the subs.
  3. Serving Style: For a casual gathering, cut the subs into halves or thirds to make them easier for guests to handle. You can also offer a variety of condiments like hot sauce, extra cheese, or sautéed onions and peppers on the side for customization.
  4. Keeping Warm: If serving at a party, keep the subs warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting or in a covered dish placed in a low oven. This helps maintain their warmth and gooey cheese texture.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best quality and flavor.
  2. Freezing: To freeze meatball subs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the meatballs and marinara sauce separately from the rolls to avoid sogginess.
  3. Reheating: To reheat frozen meatball subs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from the refrigerator, warm them in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
  4. Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the rolls from becoming too soggy, you can store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls and assemble them just before serving or reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your meatball subs remain delicious and satisfying whether you’re enjoying them fresh or saving them for later.

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork in the meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken will make the meatballs lighter and slightly leaner. To keep them moist, you might want to add a little extra seasoning or a small amount of olive oil to the mixture.

2. Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance. After forming them, bake and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in marinara sauce before assembling your subs.

3. How can I make the subs spicier?

To add some heat to your meatball subs, you can mix red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the meatball mixture. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinara sauce or top the subs with sliced jalapeños or a spicy cheese blend before broiling.

4. What can I do if I don’t have sub rolls?

If you don’t have sub rolls, you can use other types of bread like Italian baguettes, hoagie rolls, or even sliced ciabatta or French bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce without becoming too soggy. You can also slice the bread and toast it lightly before assembling the subs for added durability.

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