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Italian Meatball Subs

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These Italian Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, homemade meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served on toasted garlic butter hoagie rolls. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game-day meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp milk

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Sandwiches:

  • 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, parsley, and milk. Mix until just combined.
  3. Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 2: Simmer in Sauce

  1. In a large skillet, heat marinara sauce, oregano, and garlic powder over medium heat.
  2. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, coating them evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Rolls

  1. Preheat the broiler.
  2. Brush the hoagie rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Broil for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

  1. Place 3–4 meatballs in each toasted roll.
  2. Spoon extra sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!


Notes

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked meatballs for up to 3 months.
  • Meat Options: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Extra Flavor: Add sautéed onions and peppers for a heartier sub.