Meatball Sub Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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The Ultimate Meatball Sub Recipe: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? Forget takeout – this recipe for the ultimate meatball sub will have you saying goodbye to delivery apps and hello to a delicious, homemade meal that's surprisingly easy to make. This guide will walk you through creating juicy, flavorful meatballs, a tangy and savory sauce, and a perfectly toasted sub roll, resulting in a meatball sub that's better than anything you've ever ordered.

Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

Let's start with the star of the show: the meatballs. The success of this recipe hinges on using high-quality ingredients.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 6 sub rolls
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Meatball Magic: The Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the fun part! Let's craft those incredible meatballs.

Making the Meatballs:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are cooked through. This step adds incredible flavor.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Once browned, add the meatballs to a large pot or Dutch oven.

Crafting the Sauce:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in the remaining olive oil until softened.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and sugar to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer to Perfection: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the pot. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, for the most intense flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste!

Assembly and Baking: The Final Touches

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Sub Rolls: Slice the sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through.
3. Fill and Bake: Spoon a generous amount of sauce into each sub roll, followed by the meatballs and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions: Take it to the Next Level

• Garnish: Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and freshness.
• Sides: Serve with a simple green salad or your favorite potato side dish.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.

This meatball sub recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The juicy meatballs, complemented by the rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, create an unforgettable flavor combination. Enjoy!