Description
This Ultimate Meatball Sub Sandwich recipe delivers juicy, flavorful homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, nestled in toasted hoagie rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal, this classic sandwich combines Italian-inspired seasonings and fresh herbs for a deliciously satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and veal)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, chopped fresh parsley, and milk. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid dense meatballs.
- Form and Cook Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, then season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Simmer together gently for 5-8 minutes to let the meatballs soak up the sauce flavors.
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Brush the insides with melted butter.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place meatballs and sauce generously inside each hoagie roll. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Arrange the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot for a hearty, delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra moisture and flavor, soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing with the meat.
- You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork or veal for more tender meatballs.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant mild heat.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish to add freshness to the sandwiches.
- To make the sandwich easier to eat, wrap it in parchment paper or foil after assembling.
