Ultimate Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe

Sizzling Beefy Meatball Sub Recipe for Sandwich Success

Sinking your teeth into a hearty meatball sub with an ultimate beefy meatball sub delight brings pure comfort to your taste buds.

Robust flavors and melted cheese create a symphony of deliciousness in every single bite.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef combines with aromatic herbs to craft these irresistible meatballs.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of mouthwatering goodness.

The golden, crispy bread holds these savory meatballs like a warm embrace.

Cheese melts luxuriously, adding a creamy richness that completes this classic sandwich.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ground meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of pork and beef for variety.

  • Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the meatball mixture?

Fresh herbs enhance flavor, but dried herbs work well too if fresh aren’t available. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

  • How can I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?

Mix in some breadcrumbs soaked in milk or add a bit of olive oil to the meat mixture to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

  • What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can replace Parmesan with Romano cheese or skip it entirely. The meatballs will still be flavorful with the other seasonings.

What Makes Ultimate Beefy Meatball Sub Delight So Good

  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Whip up a hearty meal that brings everyone together with juicy, homemade meatballs nestled in soft hoagie rolls, guaranteed to satisfy hungry appetites.
  • Simplify Meal Preparation: Create delicious subs without complicated techniques, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for home chefs.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal tastes, making this recipe versatile for different preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick Family Feast: Prepare a complete meal in under an hour that looks impressive and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Ultimate Beefy Meatball Subs

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the core of the delicious meatballs.
  • Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and provides structure.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add creamy texture and deep savory notes to the meatballs and final sub.
Bread and Binding:
  • Bread, Hoagie Rolls: Creates a soft base for the meatballs and provides a classic sub sandwich experience.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Basil, Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that bring bright and aromatic flavors to the meatballs and sub.
  • Garlic, Onion: Provide a robust and foundational flavor profile to the meat mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Sauce:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the meatball sub.

How to Make Beefy Meatball Subs

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to get ready for some serious meatball magic.

Step 2: Craft Hearty Meatballs

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your meaty ingredients:
  • Ground beef
  • Egg
  • Minced onion
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pressed garlic
  • Fresh basil
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Grab some soft bread, squeeze out the excess moisture, and crumble it into the mix.

Get your hands dirty and blend everything together.

Shape the mixture into perfect bite-sized meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball.

Spread them out on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for 20-22 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Build Mouthwatering Subs

Slice your hoagie rolls horizontally, keeping one side attached.

Generously spread marinara sauce inside each roll, creating a flavor-packed base.

Nestle 4-5 juicy meatballs into each roll.

Drizzle extra sauce over the top, then blanket with melty mozzarella cheese.

Sprinkle a pinch of oregano for an extra flavor punch.

Return the loaded subs to the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

Step 4: Serve and Devour

Pull out your subs, let them cool for a moment, then dive into this irresistible feast of meaty, cheesy goodness!

Pro Tips for Ultimate Meatball Subs

  • Wet your hands with cold water to prevent meat from sticking and ensure uniform, smooth meatballs that cook evenly.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for an extra umami kick and richer taste profile.
  • Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before adding to subs, helping it melt more smoothly and create a creamy texture.
  • Use day-old bread for soaking, which absorbs liquid better and prevents meatballs from becoming too wet or falling apart during baking.
  • Substitute regular bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free hoagie rolls to make the recipe safe for those with wheat sensitivities.

Flavor Variations for Meatball Subs

  • Spicy Chorizo Meatball Sub: Replace ground beef with ground chorizo, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Sub: Swap beef for ground lamb, mix in mint and oregano, use feta cheese, and spread tzatziki sauce inside the roll.
  • Vegetarian Lentil Meatball Sub: Create meatballs using cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs, topped with marinara and plant-based mozzarella on a whole grain roll.
  • Gluten-Free Chicken Meatball Sub: Use ground chicken instead of beef, replace bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and serve on a gluten-free roll with marinara sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Beefy Meatball Subs

  • Flavor Party Platter: Create a stunning appetizer spread by cutting meatball subs into bite-sized sections, perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Hearty Side Companion: Pair these subs with crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or seasoned potato wedges to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add nutritional variety.
  • Family Meal Customization: Let everyone build their own sub by setting out extra cheese, fresh herbs, hot sauce, and additional marinara on the side, making dinner interactive and fun.
  • Leftover Magic Transformation: Chop remaining meatballs and mix into pasta, sprinkle over pizza, or toss in a zesty grain bowl for delicious next-day meal options.

How to Store Ultimate Beefy Meatball Subs

  • Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each sub individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Carefully place wrapped meatball subs in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Unwrap frozen or refrigerated subs, place on a baking sheet, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This restores crispy bread and melts cheese perfectly.
  • Reheat individual subs for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Add a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.
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Ultimate Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe

Ultimate Beefy Meatball Sub Delight Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Mouthwatering Ultimate Beefy Meatball Sub Delight brings together savory beef, melted cheese, and zesty marinara in a hearty sandwich. Crisp bread cradles juicy meatballs, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (85%/15%)
  • 12 beef meatballs (1215 meatballs)

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 11.5 cups thick shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 thin slice of whole wheat bread soaked in milk and squeezed

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup minced yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced basil
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh minced parsley
  • 1/21 teaspoon kosher coarse or sea salt
  • 1/81/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 11.5 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 3 hoagie rolls

Instructions

  1. Create a flavorful meat mixture by combining ground beef with egg, finely chopped onion, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh basil, parsley, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
  2. Incorporate soaked bread by gently squeezing out excess moisture and crumbling it into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Carefully form uniform 1-inch meatballs, rolling them between palms to create smooth, compact spheres.
  4. Arrange meatballs on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased surface, leaving space between each ball.
  5. Roast meatballs in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-22 minutes, until golden brown and cooked thoroughly with no pink interior.
  6. Partially slice hoagie rolls from the top, keeping one side intact to create a hinged opening.
  7. Generously spread marinara sauce inside each roll, creating a rich, flavorful base.
  8. Nestle 4-5 freshly baked meatballs into each roll, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Drizzle additional marinara sauce over the meatballs for extra moisture and flavor.
  10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top of each sub.
  11. Dust with dried oregano for a final aromatic touch.
  12. Return assembled subs to the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until cheese melts and rolls become slightly crispy.

Notes

  • Opt for grass-fed ground beef to enhance flavor and nutritional value while supporting sustainable farming practices.
  • Soak breadcrumbs in milk instead of water for extra tender and juicy meatballs that melt in your mouth.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace regular bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal to maintain the perfect texture.
  • Consider making a big batch of meatballs and freezing them for quick weeknight meals, saving time and preserving delicious homemade goodness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 870 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 57 g
  • Cholesterol: 195 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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