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For a great meatball sub, you need the right ingredients. Here is what you will use: - 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground pork - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil) - 1 teaspoon oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 cups marinara sauce - 4 hoagie rolls - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These fresh ingredients make the meatballs juicy and full of flavor. The mix of beef and pork gives a tasty bite. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together. You can add more flavor with some optional ingredients. Try these options: - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 1 tablespoon chopped parsley - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Feel free to mix and match these add-ins. They add depth to your meatballs. A good meatball sub needs the right toppings. Here are some tasty ideas: - Marinara sauce (extra for serving) - Sliced jalapeños (for spice) - Pickled peppers - Fresh arugula or spinach You can customize your sub with these condiments. Each one adds its unique flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and the egg. Add the chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all the ingredients combine. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches wide. Aim for around 16 meatballs. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes. Turn them occasionally so all sides get a nice brown color. After browning, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) when done. While the meatballs cook, cut the hoagie rolls lengthwise. Leave one side intact to make a pocket. Once the meatballs are ready, spoon them into each roll along with some sauce. Top each sub with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make great meatballs, start with good quality meat. I like a mix of ground beef and pork for flavor. Use fresh ingredients like garlic and herbs. Don't overmix the meat; this keeps them tender. Shape the meatballs gently, about 1.5 inches wide. Browning them in a hot skillet adds flavor. Cook until they reach 160°F for safety. If you want a lighter option, swap some beef for ground turkey. Whole wheat breadcrumbs can add fiber. You can use low-fat cheese for a healthier sub. For a gluten-free choice, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Fresh herbs are always better than dried, but use what you have. Serve your meatball subs with a side salad or steamed veggies. They pair well with a crisp pickled cucumber salad. For a fun twist, try adding sliced jalapeños for heat. You can also serve them with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your hearty Italian meatball subs with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. For a full recipe, check out the steps above. {{image_2}} You can swap meats to make your subs unique. Ground turkey works well. It’s leaner than beef and pork. Ground chicken is another great choice. It brings a mild flavor that pairs nicely with sauce. If you want a richer taste, try a blend of lamb and beef. This combo adds depth to your meatball subs. You can even use all beef for a classic taste. The sauce can change the whole dish. Marinara is a favorite, but you can try others. A spicy arrabbiata sauce adds a kick. For a creamy twist, use Alfredo sauce. You can even mix sauces for a fun flavor. For a smoky touch, add a chipotle sauce. Each sauce brings its own taste to your meatball subs. Meatball subs are not just for meat lovers. You can make them plant-based, too. Use lentils or chickpeas as a base for your meatballs. Mix with breadcrumbs, spices, and veggies for texture. Tofu is another great option. It soaks up flavors well. For sauce, a tomato-based or vegan pesto works best. These options make tasty meatball subs everyone can enjoy. Explore the full recipe to see how these variations can come together! To keep your leftover meatball subs fresh, first let them cool down. Then, wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil. Place the wrapped subs in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps the bread from getting soggy. When you are ready to eat your leftover subs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the subs and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty. If you’re short on time, you can microwave them. Just cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to a minute. Check often to avoid overcooking. If you want to save your meatball subs for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each sub in plastic wrap and then in foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn. Store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the subs in the fridge overnight. Reheat them following the tips above for best results. Enjoy your tasty meatball subs at your convenience! You can prepare the meatballs a day early. Just make them, cool them, and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the meatballs, add sauce, and store that mix in a container. When you're ready to eat, warm it up on the stove. Then, just assemble the subs and bake them. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a nice crunch. Another option is to use ground nuts or seeds. These will change the flavor, but they work well. Experiment with what you have on hand to find your favorite! To find the best meatball subs near you, use apps like Yelp or Google Maps. Search for local Italian restaurants or delis. Check the reviews and see what others say. You might even discover a hidden gem nearby! For a guaranteed great recipe, check out the full recipe guide I shared. You now have all the tools to make tasty meatball subs. We covered the best ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You can even try new flavors and healthy swaps. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly, so they stay yummy. Meatball subs are fun to make and share with others. Enjoy creating your own unique dish and impressing your friends and family!

Meatball Subs

Craving a delicious meal? Discover how to make savory meatball subs that are easy and flavorful! This recipe walks you through mixing juicy meatballs, adding your favorite toppings, and assembling the perfect sub. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these tasty delights will impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and unlock tips for customization and pairings to take your subs to the next level!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce

4 hoagie rolls

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

      Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have around 16 meatballs.

        Brown the meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned.

          Add marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C).

            Prepare the rolls: While the meatballs are simmering, cut the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving one side intact to create a pocket.

              Assemble the subs: Once the meatballs are cooked, spoon a few meatballs along with some sauce into each hoagie roll.

                Add cheese: Top each sub with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.

                  Bake: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                    Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4