Cheesy Meatball Subs (Printable Version)
Juicy beef meatballs in marinara, nestled in toasted sub rolls and topped with melted mozzarella.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
→ Tomato Sauce
10 - 2 cups marinara sauce
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
→ Assembly
15 - 4 sub rolls (about 8 inches each)
16 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - 2 tbsp softened butter (optional, for toasting)
18 - Fresh basil leaves, to garnish (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Position the rack so the broiler can access the subs later.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated, then shape into 12 uniform meatballs.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, cook the onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and dried basil, then bring to a simmer.
05 - Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until cooked through.
06 - Slice each sub roll open and optionally brush the cut sides with softened butter. Toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
07 - Place 3 meatballs with sauce into each toasted roll. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange the subs on a baking sheet.
08 - Broil the assembled subs for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The meatballs simmer directly in the sauce, which means they soak up flavor and you dirty fewer dishes than you expect.
- Browning the meatballs first creates a crust that holds together beautifully once everything gets saucy and cheesy.
02 -
- Do not skip browning the meatballs before simmering them, because that step creates a crust that keeps them from falling apart in the sauce.
- Toasting the rolls before adding the filling creates a barrier that prevents the bread from dissolving into a sad, soggy mess before you finish eating.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before shaping the meatballs and the mixture will not stick to your fingers nearly as much.
- Let the assembled subs rest for about two minutes after broiling so the cheese sets slightly and the sauce stops being molten lava temperature.