Savory Meatball Sub Sandwiches with Marinara

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the iconic meatball sub sandwich. This beloved culinary creation has earned its place as a staple in American cuisine, celebrated for its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors. The combination of tender, savory meatballs nestled in a warm sub roll, smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Whether enjoyed at a casual family dinner or served at a festive gathering, meatball subs bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Savory Meatball Sub Sandwiches with Marinara

Indulge in the comforting flavors of hearty savory meatball sub sandwiches, a classic in American cuisine. This delicious recipe features juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, complemented by a rich homemade marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings, these customizable subs can be paired with fresh herbs or your favorite sides. Create a memorable meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 large egg

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (15 ounces each) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Sandwiches:

4 sub rolls or hoagie buns

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and the whole egg.

- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until just combined.

- Shape the mixture into meatballs that are approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs:

- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.

- Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.

- Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Marinara Sauce:

- In the same skillet, add an additional drizzle of olive oil if necessary, then add the finely chopped onion.

- Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.

- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine the ingredients. Then incorporate the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper (add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired).

- Carefully place the cooked meatballs back into the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently on low heat for approximately 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Split the sub rolls open lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet.

- Using tongs, place 2-3 meatballs into each roll and generously ladle the marinara sauce over the meatballs to keep them moist.

- Top each sandwich with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake:

- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Serve:

- Remove the sandwiches from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

- Serve hot, accompanied by extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings