Description
These Cheesy Meatball Subs are a deliciously hearty sandwich featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, nestled in soft hoagie rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal, these subs combine classic Italian flavors with a golden cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Sauce and Assembly
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for butter brushing)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and fresh parsley. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and lay them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Simmer in Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. After the meatballs are done, transfer them into the skillet with marinara sauce, spooning sauce over them gently. Let simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Hoagie Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls horizontally without cutting all the way through, and place them open-faced on a baking sheet.
- Butter the Rolls: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture inside each hoagie roll for added flavor and moisture.
- Assemble Subs: Fill each buttered hoagie roll with several meatballs and spoon additional marinara sauce over them to enhance the taste.
- Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the filled subs to create that classic cheesy finish.
- Broil Subs: Place the assembled subs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and starts to turn golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the finished subs with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving hot.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley to enhance flavor; dried parsley can be substituted but in lesser amounts.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Keep an eye on the subs while broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
- These subs can be quickly reheated in the oven or microwave if needed.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or meat mixture.
