Pin it Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwiches bring together the warm, savory flavors of tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. Nestled inside rustic toasted rolls and topped with molten mozzarella and Parmesan, these sandwiches provide a comforting meal perfect for cozy gatherings and sharing with loved ones. Each bite delivers juicy meatballs paired with vibrant tomato sauce and gooey cheese, creating a hearty Italian-American classic that’s sure to satisfy.
Pin it From mixing the meatball ingredients to baking and simmering in sauce, this recipe balances ease and flavor. The toasted rolls crisp up just enough to hold the juicy filling without becoming soggy. Perfect for when you want a hands-on, yet comforting meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
500 g (1 lb) ground beef, 50 g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs, 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp milk - For the Marinara Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), salt and black pepper to taste - For Assembly
4 rustic sub rolls or hoagie rolls (about 20 cm / 8 inches each), 160 g (1 1/2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven
- Set the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Make the meatball mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until combined—do not overwork.
- 3. Shape and bake meatballs
- Form the mixture into 16 meatballs (about 3–4 cm each) and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4. Bake meatballs
- Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- 5. Prepare marinara sauce
- While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion 3–4 minutes until soft, then sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- 6. Simmer sauce
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 7. Combine meatballs and sauce
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- 8. Toast the rolls
- Slice sub rolls lengthwise, leaving one side attached. Place on baking tray and toast in the oven 3–4 minutes until lightly crisp.
- 9. Assemble sandwiches
- Place 4 meatballs and plenty of marinara sauce into each roll. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- 10. Melt the cheese
- Return sandwiches to oven 3–5 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- 11. Garnish and serve
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, avoid overmixing the meatball mix to keep them tender. Make sure to toast the rolls just enough to crisp the surface but not dry out the bread. Allow the meatballs to simmer in marinara to soak up the sauce’s flavors fully.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can enhance the meatballs by mixing ground beef with pork for richer flavor. Try adding sautéed bell peppers or sliced olives to the sauce for additional depth. For gluten-free needs, swap breadcrumbs and rolls with gluten-free versions.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these hearty subs with a simple green salad and a glass of Chianti wine for an authentic Italian-American meal. They also pair well with roasted vegetables or crispy fries for a filling lunch or dinner.
Pin it This Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwich recipe is a labor of love that pays off with every hearty bite. It’s a classic Italian-American meal that satisfies appetites with juicy, flavorful meatballs, vibrant tomato sauce, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. Perfect for sharing, it invites everyone to savor the rich flavors and comfort of home-cooked goodness.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the meatballs stay tender?
Use a combination of breadcrumbs, egg, and milk to bind and moisten the meat mixture without overworking it, which can toughen the texture.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat gently in the marinara sauce before assembling the subs.
- → What type of bread works best for this sandwich?
Rustic sub or hoagie rolls with a chewy crust and soft interior hold the sauce and meatballs well without becoming soggy.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the marinara sauce?
Sautéed bell peppers, sliced olives, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the sauce with subtle heat and complexity.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture or taste.