Description
A classic Italian Meatball Sub recipe featuring juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served on buttery toasted French bread or sub rolls. Perfectly balanced with herbs and parmesan, this hearty sandwich is ideal for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 lbs. Ground Beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 large Egg
- 3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 3/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (high-quality)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley (diced)
Sauce and Assemble
- 24-32 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (or more depending on taste)
- 4 Sliced French Bread or Sub Rolls
- Butter (for spreading on bread)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for frying meatballs)
- Optional: Marinated Italian peppers for topping
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: Start with high-quality ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juicy meatballs). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, diced fresh Italian parsley, egg, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Form and Brown Meatballs: Roll the mixture into large meatballs of your desired size. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once to brown all sides evenly.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Meanwhile, prepare your marinara sauce—either homemade or jarred—by heating it in a large pot on low heat. Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them carefully into the simmering sauce. Let them cook gently for about 20 minutes until fully cooked through and flavors meld.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread or sub rolls halfway through lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way. Spread butter over both sides of each bread. Set your oven to broil and place the bread inside just long enough for the butter to melt and the bread to toast lightly, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble and Melt Cheese: Place the cooked meatballs along with the sauce onto the toasted bread halves. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Return the assembled subs to the oven and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley, and serve immediately. Optionally, add marinated Italian peppers for a spicy kick and provide extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy meatballs due to balanced fat content.
- Be careful while broiling the bread and cheese to avoid burning; keep a close eye at all times.
- For added flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties.
- Homemade marinara sauce works best but jarred sauce is a convenient alternative.
- Adjust the size of the meatballs to your preference, but larger meatballs offer a more substantial sandwich bite.
- Marinated Italian peppers add an optional spicy, tangy element to the subs.
