Description
Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible meatball sub that brings Italian-American flavors straight to your dinner table. Juicy homemade meatballs nestled in crusty bread, melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce make you crave another bite of pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Homemade Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sub Ingredients:
- 24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 8 hot dog buns
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Craft uniform meatballs by gently blending ground meat with seasonings, forming 24 consistent spheres roughly the size of a golf ball.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing meatballs until golden brown on all sides, rotating every 2-3 minutes for even caramelization.
- Pour marinara sauce over seared meatballs, reducing heat to medium-low and covering the skillet, allowing them to simmer for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Arrange submarine rolls on a rimmed baking sheet, positioning oven rack approximately 6 inches beneath broiler element and preheating to high.
- Distribute three meatballs onto each roll, generously spooning remaining marinara sauce over the meat and sprinkling shredded cheese across the top.
- Slide prepared subs under broiler, monitoring closely for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges of bread become lightly crisp and golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool momentarily, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and cheese is perfectly melted.
Notes
- Customize Meatball Blend experiment with ground meats like turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for varied flavors and dietary needs.
- Sauce Flexibility choose homemade marinara or store-bought, adjusting seasoning to enhance overall taste profile.
- Cheese Options swap mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Make-Ahead Strategy prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly and reduced cooking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg