Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwiches (Printable)

Tender meatballs in rich marinara sauce on toasted sub rolls with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
10 - 2 tbsp milk

→ Marinara Sauce

11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 tsp sugar
16 - 1 tsp dried basil
17 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
18 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Assembly

20 - 4 rustic sub rolls, about 8 inches each
21 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
22 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
23 - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk until just combined.
03 - Form 16 meatballs roughly 1.5 inches in diameter and place evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
04 - Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Transfer baked meatballs into the sauce and simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Slice each roll lengthwise leaving one side attached, place on a baking tray, and toast in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly crisp.
08 - Fill each roll with 4 meatballs and a generous amount of marinara sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
09 - Return sandwiches to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty and comforting with tender beef meatballs.
  • Rich marinara sauce made from scratch with aromatic herbs.
  • Gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping.
  • Perfectly toasted rustic rolls provide a crunchy contrast.
  • Ideal for sharing at casual gatherings or cozy nights in.
02 -
  • Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer, juicier meatballs.
  • Do not overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • Simmer meatballs in sauce to absorb flavors fully.
  • Toast rolls just before assembly to prevent sogginess.
  • Check all packaged ingredients for allergen information carefully.
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