Meatball Sub with Marinara Recipe

Introduction

A Meatball Sub with Marinara is a comforting, savory sandwich that blends juicy, tender meatballs with rich marinara sauce, all nestled in a warm, toasted sub roll. This classic Italian-American dish is not only filling but also brimming with flavors that are sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner, a hearty lunch, or a satisfying game-day meal, this dish has you covered.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic herbs, and homemade marinara sauce creates a delicious balance of flavors, while the gooey melted mozzarella cheese adds that perfect finishing touch. The Meatball Sub with Marinara can be customized in various ways to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and beloved choice for all ages.

Why You’ll Love Meatball Sub with Marinara

• Comforting and Hearty: The meatballs are tender and flavorful, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory, juicy goodness.
• Perfectly Toasted Bread: The sub rolls are lightly toasted to give them a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft interior that absorbs the sauce without becoming soggy.
• Cheese Pull Delight: Melting mozzarella cheese over the meatballs adds a creamy texture and indulgent flavor that makes each bite a treat.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients to whip up this classic dish, making it easy for anyone to prepare.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer to add extra toppings, swap out cheeses, or use different bread, this recipe offers flexibility to meet your tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 subs
• Calories per Serving: Around 550-600 calories per sub, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 24-28g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Assembling the Sub:

• 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will ensure they don’t stick and will bake evenly.

2. Brown the Meatballs

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them through yet, as they’ll finish cooking in the marinara sauce. After they’re browned, transfer them back to the baking sheet and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

In the same skillet that you used for the meatballs, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.

4. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Once the marinara sauce has simmered, gently place the browned meatballs into the sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for another 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

5. Toast the Sub Rolls

While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sub rolls. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if it’s not already preheated from earlier. Slice the rolls open lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through, leaving a hinge so the rolls can hold the meatballs and sauce. Lightly butter the inside of the rolls and place them on a baking sheet.

Toast the rolls in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

6. Assemble the Meatball Subs

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, it’s time to assemble your subs. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce into each toasted sub roll. Place 3-4 meatballs in each roll, depending on their size and how many you’re making. Spoon additional sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

7. Melt the Cheese

To melt the cheese, place the assembled subs under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Keep a close watch to avoid burning the bread. If you prefer a gooey cheese pull, be sure to broil until the cheese is fully melted.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted, remove the subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve your Meatball Sub with Marinara immediately while it’s hot and gooey. Enjoy with a side of crispy fries, a simple salad, or some pickles.

Tips for Perfect Meatball Subs

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley, garlic, and good-quality tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your marinara sauce and meatballs.
• Don’t Overwork the Meatballs: When mixing the meatball mixture, avoid overworking the meat to keep them tender.
• Customize the Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, you can also use provolone, Parmesan, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Baking Meatballs: If you prefer a lighter cooking method, you can bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of pan-frying them.
• Make-ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the meatballs in the sauce before assembling the subs.

Variations of Meatball Sub with Marinara

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: For a lighter option, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken to make leaner meatballs while still keeping the flavor intact.
• Spicy Meatball Sub: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick that will elevate the flavor of the subs.
• Cheesy Meatball Sub: For extra cheese, add a layer of ricotta or cream cheese to the sub rolls before adding the meatballs for a creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Meatball Sub: Use plant-based or lentil meatballs for a vegetarian version of this classic sandwich.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have leftovers, Meatball Subs with Marinara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs and marinara sauce separately for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the meatballs and sauce in the fridge overnight and reheat them before assembling the subs.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Meatball Sub with Marinara

• Crispy French Fries: A classic side to pair with any sandwich, fries add crunch and a salty contrast to the rich meatball sub.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy, tangy dressing of a Caesar salad complements the meaty, saucy sub perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: For extra flavor, serve the subs with a side of crispy garlic bread, perfect for dipping in any extra marinara sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms add a light, healthy touch to balance the richness of the sub.

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Conclusion

A Meatball Sub with Marinara is an iconic, satisfying dish that brings together all the elements of comfort food—tender meatballs, savory marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a toasted sub roll. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or sharing it with friends at a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is both approachable and indulgent. The combination of juicy meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese will make these subs a staple in your recipe collection for years to come. Enjoy your Meatball Sub with Marinara—it’s a meal that everyone will love!