Mini Turkey Meatball Sub
A lighter take on a classic, featuring lean turkey meatballs simmered in a vibrant, homemade marinara sauce. Everything is tucked into a toasted whole wheat roll with melted mozzarella for a satisfying and healthier sub.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare for baking
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the turkey meatball mixture
- b.In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg white, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form and bake the meatballs
- b.Roll the mixture into about 16 small meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches each.
- c.Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- d.Bake for 15 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Make the fresh marinara sauce
- b.While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Pour in the pureed fresh tomatoes, the remaining 0.5 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir well.
- f.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to deepen.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine meatballs and sauce
- b.Once the meatballs are cooked, gently add them to the simmering marinara sauce.
- c.Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- d.Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble and broil the subs
- b.Set your oven to broil.
- c.Slice the mini sub rolls horizontally, keeping one side hinged.
- d.Place 4 meatballs into each roll and spoon extra sauce over them.
- e.Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each sub.
- f.Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Serve immediately
- b.Serve the mini turkey meatball subs hot for the best experience.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra moist meatballs, add 1 tablespoon of milk or finely grated zucchini to the turkey mixture.
- 2Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the meatballs brown evenly instead of steaming.
- 3Toasting the inside of the rolls for a minute before adding the meatballs can prevent them from getting soggy.
- 4The meatballs and sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- 5For a richer flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- 6If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil, adding it with the oregano.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ground turkey with mashed lentils or chickpeas, use a flax egg instead of egg white, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan and a plant-based mozzarella.
gluten freeGluten free
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve on gluten-free sub rolls.
high proteinHigh protein
Use 99% lean ground turkey and add an extra meatball to each sub for a protein boost.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Ensure the sauce is not spicy and cut the subs in half for smaller hands. You can also hide finely grated carrots in the meatball mix.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
The homemade sauce from cooked tomatoes is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases.
Complex Carbohydrates
Using whole wheat rolls provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and provides sustained energy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is quite healthy. It uses lean ground turkey for protein, whole wheat rolls for fiber, and a homemade marinara sauce from fresh tomatoes, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene. Using part-skim mozzarella also reduces the fat content.