Savory Italian-Style Baked Meatball Subs Recipe

Introduction

These savory Italian-style baked meatball subs are a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Juicy homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce are nestled in toasted hoagie rolls and topped with melted cheese. Easy to prepare and delicious, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: sliced provolone cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs are baking, cut the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, making sure not to cut all the way through.
6. Step 6: Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
7. Step 7: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and place them in the marinara sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. Step 8: Brush the inside of the hoagie rolls with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Toast the hoagie rolls in the oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are slightly crispy.
10. Step 10: Remove the rolls from the oven and fill each with several meatballs and a generous spoonful of marinara sauce.
11. Step 11: Top the meatballs with shredded mozzarella cheese and slices of provolone if using.
12. Step 12: Return the assembled subs to the oven to bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Step 13: Serve the meatball subs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use homemade marinara sauce or your favorite store-bought brand to save time.
• Try adding sautéed onions and bell peppers inside the subs for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover subs tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to develop further.

What type of bread works best for these subs?

Hoagie rolls or Italian sub rolls are ideal because they hold up well to the sauce and filling while offering a nice crust when toasted.

Savory Italian-Style Baked Meatball Subs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy these savory Italian-Style Baked Meatball Subs featuring juicy homemade meatballs baked to perfection, simmered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled inside toasted hoagie rolls for a comforting and delicious sandwich experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sub Assembly

• 4 hoagie rolls
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: sliced provolone cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs and toasting the rolls later.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
3. Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on a baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Prepare Hoagie Rolls: While the meatballs bake, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through so they remain hinged for easy filling.
6. Heat Marinara Sauce: Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through and ready to simmer the meatballs.
7. Simmer Meatballs: Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven and add them to the heated marinara sauce. Allow them to simmer for 5 minutes so they absorb the flavors of the sauce.
8. Brush and Toast Rolls: Brush the insides of the hoagie rolls with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the bread is slightly crispy and warm.
9. Assemble Subs: Take the toasted rolls out of the oven and fill each with several meatballs and a generous spoonful of marinara sauce.
10. Add Cheese: Top the meatballs with shredded mozzarella cheese and, if using, add slices of provolone on top.
11. Melt Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve: Serve the meatball subs hot, optionally garnished with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Homemade marinara sauce can be used instead of store-bought for enhanced flavor.
• Provolone cheese is optional and adds extra creaminess and flavor when used.
• To make ahead, meatballs can be baked and refrigerated, then reheated in sauce when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: meatball subs, baked meatballs, Italian sandwiches, hoagie rolls, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella