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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs and toasting the rolls later.
- 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.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on a baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and nicely browned.
- 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.
- Heat Marinara Sauce: Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through and ready to simmer the meatballs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Subs: Take the toasted rolls out of the oven and fill each with several meatballs and a generous spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Add Cheese: Top the meatballs with shredded mozzarella cheese and, if using, add slices of provolone on top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 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
