Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwiches (Printer-Friendly)

Tender beef meatballs in marinara with melted cheese on toasted rustic rolls, perfect for warm, comforting servings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 2 tablespoons milk

→ Marinara Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 teaspoon sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
17 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
18 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Assembly

20 - 4 rustic sub or hoagie rolls, approximately 8 inches each
21 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
22 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
23 - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk without overworking the mixture.
03 - Form mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches each, and arrange them on the baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until browned and completely cooked.
04 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add the baked meatballs into the marinara and simmer together for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Slice the rolls lengthwise, keeping one side attached. Place on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly crisp.
08 - Spoon 4 meatballs with ample sauce into each roll. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Return assembled sandwiches to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
10 - Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Hearty and comforting with tender, juicy beef meatballs.
  • The rich marinara sauce is perfectly balanced with herbs and a touch of sweetness.
  • Toasted rustic rolls add satisfying crunch and hold all the flavors together.
  • Melted mozzarella and Parmesan create irresistible cheesy goodness.
  • Ideal for cozy gatherings or a delicious homemade meal any day of the week.
02 -
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for a brighter flavor.
  • Let the meatballs rest in the sauce to absorb more of the marinara’s richness.
  • For evenly cooked meatballs, choose uniform sizes by using a small ice cream scoop or spoon.
  • Toast the rolls just until crisp to avoid sogginess when assembled.
  • Double-check all packaged ingredients to manage allergens safely.
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