Description
These Italian Meatball Subs are a hearty and flavorful sandwich featuring juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley, all nestled in buttered, toasted French bread or sub rolls. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner that captures the essence of classic Italian-American cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 lbs. Ground Beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 large Egg
- 3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 3/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (high-quality)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley (diced)
Sauce & Assembly
- 24-32 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (or more depending on taste)
- 4 Sliced French Bread or Sub Rolls
- Butter (for spreading)
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking meatballs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Start with high-quality ground beef, preferably 80/20 for optimal juiciness. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, fresh diced Italian parsley, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and incorporate all ingredients into a uniform mixture.
- Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into large meatballs of your desired size. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once to brown all sides evenly.
- Simmer in Marinara Sauce: While browning the meatballs, prepare your marinara sauce by heating homemade or jarred sauce in a large pot. After browning, transfer the meatballs to the simmering sauce. Let them cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until they are completely cooked through.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the French bread or sub rolls in half lengthwise, being careful not to slice all the way through. Spread butter on both sides of the bread. Place the bread under the oven’s broiler until the butter melts and the bread is lightly toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble and Melt Cheese: Spoon the cooked meatballs along with marinara sauce onto the toasted bread. Generously top with mozzarella cheese. Return the assembled subs to the oven and broil for about 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley and serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Optionally, add marinated Italian peppers for extra spice.
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier meatballs.
- Watch the bread carefully while broiling to avoid burning.
- If you like spicier subs, add marinated Italian peppers as a topping.
- Homemade marinara sauce can elevate the flavor but jarred sauce works well for convenience.
- Meatballs can be made smaller or larger depending on personal preference.
