Meatball Sub
Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, tucked into a toasted sub roll and smothered with melted provolone cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food sandwich, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, fresh parsley, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
- c.Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
- d.Form the mixture into approximately 16 meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Meatballs
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the meatballs in the pot in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd them. Work in batches if necessary.
- d.Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the browned meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Marinara Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the same pot.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, sugar (if using), the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- f.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Meatballs
- b.Gently return the browned meatballs to the pot with the simmering sauce.
- c.Stir carefully to coat the meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 25-30 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Broil the Subs
- b.Preheat your oven's broiler to high and arrange a rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- c.Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through.
- d.Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and lightly toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- e.Carefully remove the baking sheet. Fill each roll with 4 meatballs and a generous amount of marinara sauce.
- f.Top each sub with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
- g.Return the baking sheet to the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Serve the meatball subs immediately while they are hot and the cheese is gooey.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender meatballs, use a combination of beef and pork. The pork adds fat and flavor, preventing them from becoming dry.
- 2Avoid overworking the meat mixture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs light and tender.
- 3To prevent a soggy sub, lightly toast the inside of the rolls before adding the meatballs and sauce.
- 4Don't skip browning the meatballs. This step creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction, which adds depth to the final dish.
- 5For extra moist meatballs, soak the breadcrumbs in a few tablespoons of milk for 10 minutes before adding to the meat mixture.
- 6Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze very well.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese
Swap provolone for fresh mozzarella, which offers a classic cheese pull, or a sprinkle of sharp pecorino romano for extra flavor.
MeatMeat
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef and pork. You may need to add a little extra olive oil to keep them moist.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions and add them to the sub along with the meatballs for extra flavor and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of ground beef and pork provides a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Iron
Red meat is an excellent source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Contains Lycopene
The cooked crushed tomatoes in the marinara sauce are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A homemade meatball sub of this size contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the meat and the type of bread.