Save to Pinterest Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwiches are the perfect comfort food that brings a delicious Italian-American classic right to your table. Tender beef meatballs are lovingly baked and simmered in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, then tucked into toasted rustic rolls. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, these sandwiches are a warm, gooey delight that are ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Save to Pinterest This sandwich combines hearty Italian flavors with a hands-on assembly that’s both fun and satisfying. The balance of the herbed meatballs with the tangy sauce and melted cheese has everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the oven-to-table simplicity allows you to prepare a memorable meal without the fuss.
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 to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. 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 the mixture into 16 meatballs (about 3-4 cm each) and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4. Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- 5. While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
- 6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 7. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer together for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 8. Slice each sub roll lengthwise, leaving one side attached. Place on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 3–4 minutes until lightly crisp.
- 9. Spoon 4 meatballs and plenty of marinara sauce into each roll. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 10. Return subs to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 11. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Handle the meat mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender. Toasting the rolls before assembly adds a nice texture contrast. Using fresh herbs elevates the flavor, but dried herbs work just as well. Make sure not to overbake the meatballs to keep them juicy inside.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, try mixing equal parts ground pork and beef in the meatballs. You can also add sautéed bell peppers or sliced olives to the marinara sauce for more depth. Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls for a gluten-free option to accommodate dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine. Serve hot and fresh for the best taste and texture, making the meal feel like a cozy gathering with loved ones.
Save to Pinterest With simple steps and quality ingredients, Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwiches bring warmth and satisfaction in every bite. This recipe is sure to become a staple, whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests with a classic, hearty Italian-American meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep meatballs tender and juicy?
Mix ground beef gently with breadcrumbs, milk, and egg without overworking to retain moisture. Baking helps cook evenly while keeping juiciness.
- → What herbs enhance the marinara sauce flavor?
Basil, oregano, thyme, and a hint of red pepper flakes add aroma and depth to the tomato-based sauce.
- → Can the sandwich rolls be toasted differently?
Yes, you can lightly toast rolls in a skillet or toaster oven to achieve a crisp exterior without drying the bread.
- → How do you ensure the cheese melts perfectly on top?
Return assembled sandwiches to the oven for a few minutes until mozzarella and Parmesan become bubbly and golden.
- → What variations can be added for extra flavor?
Adding sautéed bell peppers, olives, or mixing pork with beef in meatballs provides additional layers of taste.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls to accommodate gluten-free preferences without losing texture.