Introduction

Making a delicious weeknight dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. The easy weeknight meatball sub is a perfect solution for busy families looking for a quick, hearty meal. With juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, these meatball subs are a crowd-pleaser!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Ground beef or turkey (1 lb)
– Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
– Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
– Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Egg (1, beaten)
– Marinara sauce (1 cup)
– Sub rolls (4)
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)

Prep Time

Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes. This includes mixing the meatball ingredients and shaping them into balls.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is about 25 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully. In total, this recipe takes around 40 minutes from start to finish. It yields 4 hearty meatball subs, making it perfect for a family dinner or for leftovers the next day. Enjoy your weeknight meal with ease and satisfaction!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is space between each meatball.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice brown color on the outside.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb some of the sauce flavor.

Assemble the Sub Sandwiches

Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through. Spoon some marinara sauce onto the bottom of each roll, followed by placing 2-3 meatballs per sub.

Add Cheese and Toast

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs. If desired, place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Carefully remove the subs from the oven, add extra marinara sauce if preferred, and serve hot.

Notes

Meatball Variations

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to create a lighter version of the meatballs.

Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.

Alternatives for Bread

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or serve the meatballs without bread in a bowl with sauce.

Freezing Instructions

Meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just thaw and heat up in marinara sauce when ready to serve.

Adjusting Serving Size

This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit the number of servings needed.

Cook Techniques

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Combining ground meat with breadcrumbs, seasoning, and egg helps bind the ingredients for a better texture. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

Shaping the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into uniform-sized balls for even cooking. Use your hands and ensure they are not too packed to maintain tenderness.

Cooking the Meatballs

Searing the meatballs in a skillet gives them a delicious crust, while baking them can help cook them through thoroughly. Choose your preferred cooking method based on desired texture.

Toasting the Sub Rolls

Slightly toasting the sub rolls enhances their flavor and gives them a pleasant crunch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Assembling the Meatball Sub

Layer the cooked meatballs with marinara sauce and cheese in the toasted rolls. This step adds layers of flavor and ensures a hearty meal.

FAQ

Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference for flavor and dietary needs.

How can I make meatballs ahead of time?

You can prepare meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Cook them before assembly for quick meal prep.

What kind of cheese works best for meatball subs?

Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its melting qualities, but you can also use provolone, parmesan, or any cheese you prefer.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Ensure to properly bind the mixture with egg and breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing when forming the meatballs.

Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?

Yes, finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Discovering the joy of easy weeknight meatball subs can enhance your dinner routine. These flavorful sandwiches are not only quick to prepare but also customizable to meet your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weekday or serving them at a casual gathering, meatball subs are sure to satisfy. Dive into this delightful dish and make it a regular feature in your meal planning!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Spicy Meatball Sub

Add a kick to your meatball sub by incorporating spicy marinara sauce or jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor.

Vegetarian Meatball Sub

Try using plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian option, topped with your favorite marinara and fresh vegetables.

BBQ Meatball Sub

Substitute traditional marinara sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor twist that everyone will love.

Meatball Sub Salad

Transform your meatball sub into a hearty salad by serving meatballs over mixed greens with marinara and cheese.

Cheesy Meatball Stuffed Peppers

For a unique take, stuff bell peppers with meatball mixture and cheese, then bake until tender for a healthy twist.

Italian Meatball Pasta

Use your meatballs in a pasta dish by mixing them with spaghetti or penne and marinara, topped with melted cheese for a comforting meal.