Want a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love? Let’s dive into making savory homemade meatball subs! This simple recipe features juicy meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella, all stuffed in soft sub rolls. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day treat, these subs are a crowd-pleaser. I’ll guide you through each step, sharing tips to make them melt-in-your-mouth good. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Extras
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Serving Components
– 4 sub rolls
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
To make savory meatball subs, start with the main ingredients. Ground beef and ground pork work well together. The beef adds flavor, while the pork adds moisture. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Next, we add seasonings and extras. Minced garlic brings strong flavor. Italian herbs mix in a taste of the Mediterranean. Marinara sauce is a must for that classic sub experience. Lastly, shredded mozzarella cheese melts perfectly on top, making the dish creamy and cheesy.
For serving, use sub rolls that are soft yet sturdy. They should hold the meatballs and sauce well. Fresh basil is a tasty garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs
To start, gather your ingredients. You need ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add a large egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all these items. Use your hands to mix gently. Don’t overwork the meat; you want tender meatballs.
2. Next, form the mixture into meatballs. Aim for golf ball size, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking the Meatballs
Now it’s time to bake.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through and browned.
Assembling the Subs
Your meatballs are ready. Now, let’s assemble the subs!
1. Slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Place 3-4 meatballs inside each roll. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs generously.
3. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Place the subs back on a baking sheet.
Now your savory homemade meatball subs are almost complete. For more details on the full recipe, check the recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Meatballs
To make great meatballs, avoid overmixing. Mix your meat gently. If you mix too much, your meatballs can turn tough. Just combine until everything is mixed well.
Even cooking is key. Bake your meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spaced. This allows hot air to flow around them, cooking them all the same.
Best Marinara Sauce Options
You can choose store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. Both options work well. Store-bought saves time, while homemade can taste better. If you make your own, you can control the flavor.
To enhance store-bought sauce, try adding a pinch of sugar. This can cut the acidity. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your meatball subs with a simple side dish. A fresh salad or crispy fries can balance the meal.
When serving, cut the subs in half for easy handling. Use a large plate to showcase the subs. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds color and taste.
For the full recipe, check out the instructions above.
Variations
Meat Alternatives
You can easily swap the beef and pork in this recipe. Using ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner option. These meats cook well and soak up flavors nicely. You can also make vegetarian meatballs using lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms. They taste great and are still hearty.
Sauce Variations
Try different sauces to change the flavor. Instead of marinara, use barbecue sauce or pesto. You can even mix sauces for a unique blend. If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to spice it up. This adds a fun kick!
Bread Choices
The type of bread you choose can change the vibe. Instead of traditional sub rolls, try ciabatta or hoagie rolls. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free sub rolls or even lettuce wraps. These choices keep it tasty while catering to different diets.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store your meatball subs, keep any leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge right after dinner. The shelf life of these subs is about three days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze meatball subs for longer storage. Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This keeps them fresh. The best time to eat them is within three months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, heat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Meal Prep Ideas
You can prepare the meatballs in advance. Make them on a Sunday, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat the meatballs and sauce. This saves time on busy nights. You can also make a quick meal by using pre-cooked meatballs. Just heat them up and assemble your subs in minutes. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
FAQs
How to make homemade meatballs from scratch?
To make meatballs, you need a few simple steps. Start by mixing ground beef and ground pork in a bowl. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently, but don’t overwork it. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until browned. This gives you flavorful, juicy meatballs for your subs.
Can I make meatball subs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your meatball subs ahead of time. Make the meatballs and sauce first. Then, let them cool before storing them in the fridge. You can assemble the subs and bake them just before serving. If you want to save time, you can also freeze the meatballs. When ready to eat, thaw and heat them up for a quick meal.
What sides go well with meatball subs?
Some great sides to pair with meatball subs include:
– Crispy French fries
– Garlic bread
– A fresh garden salad
– Roasted vegetables
These sides complement the rich flavors of the subs and add variety to your meal.
How to reheat meatball subs?
Reheating meatball subs is easy. You can use an oven or a microwave. For the oven, wrap the subs in foil and heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. If you use a microwave, place the subs on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts until warm. This keeps the bread soft and the meatballs juicy.
Can I use a slow cooker for meatball subs?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is great for meatball subs. You can combine the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker. Set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method allows the flavors to blend well. Just assemble the subs when you’re ready to eat. Enjoy the ease of a slow cooker!
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to make these savory meatball subs.
This blog post covered making delicious meatball subs from scratch. You learned about key ingredients like ground beef and pork, seasonings, and how to bake perfect meatballs. We discussed serving tips, variations, storage, and addressed common questions.
In the end, making meatball subs is fun and rewarding. You can adjust flavors and ingredients to match your taste. Now you’re ready to create your own tasty subs with confidence. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!
