Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches Recipe

It was a chilly Sunday afternoon when the scent of garlic and simmering tomatoes wafted through my kitchen, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. As I stirred the bubbling sauce, memories of my grandmother’s kitchen flooded back. There she was, a master at crafting her famous meatball subs, their robust flavors filling the house with a cheerful kind of warmth. Each bite transported you to a bustling Italian street filled with laughter and the clatter of dishes. Today, I want to share with you my take on this beloved classic: Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches. Get ready to channel your inner Italian nonna and create a feast that’s bound to impress!

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 20 minutes
• Active Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total Duration: 1 hour
• Portion Size: Serves 8
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approximately 550
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fats: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 950mg

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches Recipe

These Italian Meatball Subs are not just food; they are a warm hug on a plate. Juicy, savory meatballs nestled in crusty sub rolls, drenched in tangy tomato sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese make for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these sandwiches offer all the comfort of traditional Italian cooking without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The Complete Cooking Journey

We’ll embark on a flavorful journey that starts with blending meat and spices, then baking to perfection, and finishing with a delicious simmering sauce that ties it all together. Follow along to create mouthwatering meatball subs that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients

1. 1 pound (454g) ground beef
2. 1 pound (454g) ground pork
3. 3 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
4. 3 teaspoons onion powder
5. 2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
6. 2 teaspoons salt
7. 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8. 2 large eggs
9. 1 cup (100g) parmesan cheese, finely grated
10. 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
11. 3/4 cup (171ml) water
12. 1/3 cup (76ml) olive oil
13. 8 cloves garlic, minced
14. 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
15. 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes with basil
16. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
17. 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
18. 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
19. 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
20. 8 crusty sub rolls, cut in half (cut 3/4 of the way through)
21. 8 ounces provolone cheese, shredded
22. 6 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
23. 2 ounces parmesan cheese, finely grated
24. Fresh basil, torn, for garnish (optional)

Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, eggs, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Adjust Moisture Level

Gradually add water a few tablespoons at a time, mixing with your hands until the mixture is moist but still holds together well when formed into balls. Avoid over-mixing to keep meatballs tender.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs

Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion out about two and a half tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball with your hands, and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all meat is shaped.

Step 5: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 6: Sauté Garlic & Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant and golden.

Step 7: Make the Tomato Sauce

Stir in crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, then pour in the crushed tomatoes with basil, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook the sauce for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Incorporate Fresh Basil

Stir in chopped fresh basil and let the sauce cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce, coating them thoroughly.

Step 10: Prepare Sub Rolls for Broiling

Preheat your oven broiler. Carefully slice the sub rolls in half without cutting all the way through.

Step 11: Assemble the Subs

Place 5 meatballs inside each sub roll and spoon extra sauce over them. Evenly distribute the shredded provolone and fontina cheeses on top of the meatballs in each roll.

Step 12: Broil for Cheese Perfection

Arrange the assembled subs on a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted, gooey, and lightly golden in spots. Watch them closely to avoid burning.

Step 13: Garnish and Serve

Remove the subs from heat, sprinkle with torn fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious Italian Meatball Subs!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair these meatball subs with a refreshing Caesar salad or a side of crispy roasted potatoes for a complete meal. A chilled Italian red wine would complement the flavors beautifully, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. The subs can also be assembled ahead of time, but it’s best to broil the cheese fresh before serving for the ultimate gooey experience!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

1. Use a mix of meats for flavor: The combination of beef and pork gives the meatballs a rich flavor; feel free to substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
2. Don’t overwork the meat mixture: This is key for keeping the meatballs tender. Gentle mixing is all you need.
3. Broil with care: Broilers can be unpredictable—keep an eye on your subs to prevent burning.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to play around with additional flavors! Add chopped spinach or shredded zucchini to the meat mixture for a veggie boost, or swap in different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for your topping. For an extra kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of pesto to the sauce.

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Why are my meatballs tough?

   • Overmixing is the culprit! Be gentle with the meat mixture and avoid compacting it.

2. Can I freeze these meatballs?

   • Absolutely! Shape the meatballs and freeze them raw on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Simply bake from frozen; add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

   • Yes, though panko provides a lighter, crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs work fine but may make the meatballs denser.

4. What if I don’t have sub rolls?

   • Any good crusty bread or even hamburger buns will work! Just adjust the serving size accordingly.

5. How do I keep the cheese from burning under the broiler?

   • Keep the oven temperature steady, and place the subs at least a few inches from the heating element. Watch closely to remove them as soon as the cheese is melted and golden.

Wrapping Up

Creating your own Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches is a rewarding experience that brings bold flavors and comforting aromas right to your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to immerse yourself in the joy of cooking. These delicious subs are not just about the food; they’re about gathering around the table and sharing laughter and love. Enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth bite, and don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this recipe with your friends and family! Buon Appetito!

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