Classic Meatball Subs: A Hearty Sandwich Delight

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large egg
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
4 sub rolls
8 slices provolone cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and egg. Mix until all ingredients are well-incorporated.
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
Once the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
While the meatballs are cooking, slice the sub rolls open and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 5 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.
Remove the rolls from the oven and place two slices of provolone cheese on each roll. Return them to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Remove the subs from the oven and fill each with the meatballs and sauce. Top with the fresh basil.
Serve the meatball subs hot.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients for the meatballs.
Baking Sheet - A flat tray used to place the meatballs on while baking.
Skillet - A large frying pan to cook the meatballs and simmer the sauce.
Oven - To preheat and toast the sub rolls and melt the cheese.
Baking Sheet - Another baking sheet to toast the sub rolls in the oven.
Knife - To slice open the sub rolls.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Variation: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat.
Turkey Meatballs: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the meatball mixture for a spicy twist.
Cheesy Option: Stuff the meatballs with mozzarella cheese before cooking for a gooey, cheesy surprise in the center.
Herb-infused Meatballs: Experiment with different herbs and spices like parsley, basil, or thyme to give the meatballs a unique flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Mini Meatball Sliders: Make smaller-sized meatballs and serve them on mini slider buns for a fun party appetizer.
Open-faced Meatball Melts: Instead of using sub rolls, place the meatballs and sauce on slices of Italian bread, top with cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly.
Mushroom Subs: Saute sliced mushrooms and onions and add them to the sub rolls along with the meatballs for an extra savory twist.
Italian Twist: Add a layer of sliced pepperoni or salami to the meatball subs for an Italian deli flavor.

Recipe overview

This Meatball Sub recipe will take your sandwich game to the next level. Featuring homemade meatballs nestled in a baguette, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted provolone cheese and fresh basil, it's like having your favorite Italian spaghetti and meatball dish in sandwich form. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, these subs are easy to make and incredibly delicious. The meatballs are seasoned with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and oregano, then browned and simmered in marinara sauce, enhancing their rich, savory flavors. The subs are then toasted in the oven to give them a slightly crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy meatballs. Melted provolone cheese adds a layer of creamy, mild sweetness that balances out the tangy marinara sauce, and fresh basil leaves provide a refreshing, aromatic finish. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to impress your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, get your ingredients ready, and let's start making these scrumptious Meatball Subs!

Common questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer.
Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs if you want to save time. Just follow the instructions on the package for cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone cheese is commonly used, you can use any type of cheese you like such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze the meatball subs?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled meatball subs. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used for baking the meatballs and toasting the sub rolls.
Large skillet - To cook the meatballs and simmer them in the marinara sauce.
Mixing bowl - For combining the ground beef with the other ingredients to make the meatballs.
Spatula - To flip and move the meatballs while cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Knife - For slicing the sub rolls and chopping the fresh basil.
Baking dish - To assemble and serve the meatball subs.
Cheese grater - For grating the Parmesan cheese.

Origin stories

The meatball sub, an American favorite, is thought to have been created by Italian immigrants who came to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The meatball sub became popular in communities where Italian-American immigrants settled, notably in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The spicy, savory meatballs were tucked into crusty Italian bread and then smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that was easy to eat on the go. The meatball sub has since become a staple in American sandwich shops and pizzerias across the country, a testament to the influence of Italian cuisine on America's culinary landscape.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.