Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwiches (Print View)

Tender meatballs simmered in marinara sauce with melted cheese on toasted rustic rolls.

# 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 (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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently to combine without overworking.
03 - Form mixture into 16 meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
05 - While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
06 - Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
08 - Slice each sub roll lengthwise, leaving one side attached. Place on a baking tray and toast in oven for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly crisp.
09 - Place 4 meatballs with marinara sauce into each roll. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10 - Return assembled sandwiches to oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11 - Garnish sandwiches with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • Combines tender beef meatballs with a rich, homemade marinara sauce for deep flavor.
  • Easy to prepare and bake, perfect for medium-level cooks looking for comfort food.
  • The toasted rustic rolls add a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
  • Melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese create a perfectly gooey finish.
  • Ideal for family meals or entertaining guests with an Italian-American favorite.
02 -
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Baking meatballs instead of frying reduces grease and is less messy.
  • Simmer the sauce uncovered to intensify flavors and achieve a thicker consistency.
  • Toast sub rolls just enough to create a crisp exterior that holds up to the sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish to brighten the finished sandwich.
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