Meatball Sub Recipe (with Video)

Meatball Sub Recipe: There’s nothing quite like a hearty, homemade meatball sub. It’s the ultimate comfort food: a warm, toasty roll filled with juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a game-day treat, the meatball sub is always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

Follow this guide to craft the perfect sub in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for the Perfect Meatball Sub

To get started, you’ll need some quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork (500g).
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• 1 egg.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped.
• 1 tsp salt.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper.

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh).
• 1/2 onion, finely diced.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced.
• 2 tbsp olive oil.
• 1 tsp dried oregano.
• 1 tsp dried basil.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Sub:

• 4 hoagie rolls or baguette sections.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
• Butter or olive oil for toasting.

These simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering sub that tastes as good as it looks!

Tools and Equipment Required

To make the process seamless, gather these tools:

• Large mixing bowl.
• Baking sheet or skillet.
• Medium saucepan for the marinara sauce.
• Sharp knife for chopping.
• Spatula and tongs for handling the meatballs.
• Cheese grater (if using a block of cheese).

No fancy equipment is necessary—just your basic kitchen essentials!

Preparing the Meatballs

Making the meatballs is the heart of this recipe. Here’s how to do it:

Choosing the Meat

For juicy and flavorful meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and pork. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works, but keep in mind they may require extra seasoning and moisture.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, so stop once everything is just combined.

Shaping and Cooking the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized rounds, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking. Place them on a baking sheet or directly in a hot skillet with a little oil. Cook over medium heat until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Set aside while you prepare the marinara sauce.

Making the Marinara Sauce

Homemade marinara sauce elevates the sub to a whole new level. Here’s how to make it:

Key Ingredients for Marinara

The foundation of a good marinara is ripe tomatoes. If you can’t find fresh ones, go for high-quality canned tomatoes. Combine them with garlic, onion, olive oil, and a blend of oregano and basil for classic Italian flavors.

Cooking the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Choosing the Right Bread

The bread you use can make or break your meatball sub. Opt for hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or sections of a crusty baguette. They should be sturdy enough to hold the sauce and meatballs without falling apart but soft enough to bite into comfortably.

Assembling the Perfect Meatball Sub

Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to bring everything together. This is where the magic happens!

Layering the Ingredients

Start by slicing the hoagie rolls or baguettes lengthwise, leaving one side intact to create a hinge. Lightly butter or drizzle olive oil on the inside surfaces for added flavor.

1. Toasting the Bread: Place the rolls under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. This step prevents the bread from getting soggy once the fillings are added.
2. Adding the Meatballs: Spoon a bit of marinara sauce onto the bottom of the roll, then carefully place 3-4 meatballs inside, depending on the size of your bread and meatballs.
3. Layering the Sauce: Generously spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs to coat them completely. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Topping with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of the sauce. For extra indulgence, mix in a little Parmesan.

Toasting Tips

Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and return them to the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. You want the cheese to melt into a gooey, bubbly layer while the edges of the bread get perfectly crispy. Serve hot!

Optional Toppings and Variations

Take your meatball sub to the next level with creative toppings and twists. Here are a few ideas:

Toppings: Fresh basil leaves, arugula, or pickled banana peppers add a pop of flavor. Crushed red pepper flakes can spice things up for heat lovers.

Variations:

• Italian-Style: Use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef for the meatballs.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap meatballs with plant-based ones or eggplant rounds.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve the meatballs and sauce over roasted zucchini or stuffed in bell peppers instead of bread.

Serving Suggestions

A meatball sub is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal. Here are some suggestions:

• Sides: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks, or a cup of minestrone soup.
• Drinks: Complement your sub with a cold soda, iced tea, or even a light red wine like Chianti.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

Meatball subs are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious if handled properly.

Storing: Separate the meatballs, sauce, and bread to prevent sogginess. Store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
• Toast the bread in the oven or toaster before reassembling the sub.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your sub is a success:

1. Soggy Bread: Toast the bread lightly before adding sauce and fillings.
2. Underseasoned Meatballs: Don’t skimp on herbs, cheese, or salt in the meatball mixture.
3. Overcooking the Meatballs: Browning them too much can dry them out, so keep a close eye while cooking.

Why Homemade is Better than Store-Bought

Making your own meatball sub at home has so many advantages:

• Customization: Adjust flavors, toppings, and ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Healthier: Control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
• Cost-Effective: Save money compared to dining out or buying pre-made options.

Healthier Alternatives for a Meatball Sub

For those looking to enjoy a lighter version, here are some healthier alternatives:

• Low-Carb Options: Replace the bread with lettuce wraps or Portobello mushroom caps.
• Vegan Meatballs: Use lentils, chickpeas, or store-bought plant-based meatballs for a vegan twist.
• Whole-Grain Bread: Opt for whole-grain hoagie rolls to add fiber and nutrients.

FAQs about Meatball Sub Recipe

1. What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?

For a classic meatball sub, a mix of ground beef and pork provides a balanced flavor and juicy texture. However, you can use all beef, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.

2. How can I make sure my meatballs don’t fall apart?

To keep your meatballs intact, make sure to include a binding agent like breadcrumbs and an egg in your mixture. Additionally, avoid overmixing the meat, as it can make the meatballs tough.

3. What is the best bread for a meatball sub?

A sturdy hoagie or sub roll is ideal as it holds up well to the sauce and meatballs without getting too soggy. Toasting the bread lightly before assembling can also help.

4. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, you can spread a thin layer of butter or a light coating of olive oil on the bread and toast it lightly. Additionally, placing cheese on both the bottom and top layers of the bread before adding the meatballs and sauce acts as a barrier.

5. Can I prepare meatball subs in advance?

Meatball subs are best served fresh, but you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat when ready to serve and assemble your subs for best results.

6. What are some good toppings for a meatball sub?

Classic toppings include melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed onions, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

7. How long do leftover meatball subs last in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, the components of a meatball sub (meatballs and sauce) can last for up to three days in the refrigerator. Assemble the subs fresh when ready to eat to maintain the best quality.

Conclusion

Making a meatball sub at home is easier than you think, and the results are far superior to anything you’d grab at a fast-food joint. With a little effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality sandwich packed with bold flavors, gooey cheese, and tender, juicy meatballs. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.