Craving a comforting meal that’s both hearty and satisfying? Look no further than this meatball subs recipe! Perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a soft sub roll, drenched in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese make for a delicious treat. This recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the culinary delight that is a meatball sub!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 4 sub rolls
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 sub): Calories: 450, Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fat: 20g, Fiber: 2g. This nutritional value is based on a single 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 cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and add the meatballs.
6. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and simmer for another 10 minutes.
8. Slice the sub rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
9. Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each roll.
10. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for gluten-sensitive diets.
Serving and Pairings
Meatball subs are delicious on their own but pair perfectly with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad. A cold beverage, like soda or iced tea, complements the meal nicely.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to a month; just reheat directly from the freezer.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs.
- Using too high heat can cause meatballs to burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Not allowing the meatballs to rest before serving can make them fall apart.
- Neglecting to season the sauce may result in bland flavors.
- Using stale bread for breadcrumbs can lead to an undesirable texture.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different herbs and spices for unique flavors.
- Use a thermometer to ensure meatballs are cooked to 160°F (71°C).
- For added flavor, toast the sub rolls before filling them.
- Make meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals.
- Consider adding peppers or onions to the sauce for extra vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make meatball subs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the subs just before baking for the best texture.
What kind of cheese is best for meatball subs?
Mozzarella cheese is traditional for meatball subs due to its meltiness. However, provolone or even cheddar can offer a delicious variation.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! For a quick meal, you can use pre-made meatballs. Just heat them in the sauce before assembling the subs.
What bread works best for meatball subs?
Soft sub rolls or hoagie buns are ideal. You can also use garlic bread for added flavor.
How do I make my meatballs more flavorful?
Adding herbs, spices, and grated cheese to the meat mixture enhances flavor. Consider incorporating sautéed onions or garlic as well.
Conclusion
This meatball subs recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Meatball Subs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and add the meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Slice the sub rolls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each roll.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
