Introduction:
Craving a hearty and flavorful meal? Look no further than Meatball Subs! This classic dish combines juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled inside a warm and toasty sub roll. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating these mouthwatering Meatball Subs right in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed and Cooking Details:
Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Knife
Number of People: Serves 4
Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Ingredients:
Let’s gather the ingredients needed to make Meatball Subs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (20 g) finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls or baguettes, partially sliced open
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Steps:
![](https://recipes.cialice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/nu28.jpg)
Let’s dive into the process of making Meatball Subs:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter, and set them aside.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Pour about half of the marinara sauce into a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs in the dish, spacing them evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Prepare the Sub Rolls:
- While the meatballs are baking, partially slice open the sub rolls.
- Assemble the Subs:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Place 3-4 meatballs and some sauce inside each sub roll. Top each sandwich with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Subs:
- Transfer the assembled subs to a baking sheet and bake them for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly toasted.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the subs from the oven, let them cool for a minute, and serve them immediately. Enjoy your delicious Meatball Subs!
Recommendation for Recipe Success:
For perfect Meatball Subs every time, keep the following tips in mind:
- Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor in the meatball mixture.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste.
Top 5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:
1. Overcooking the Meatballs:
- Avoid overcooking the meatballs in the skillet, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
2. Using Too Much Bread Crumbs:
- Use just enough breadcrumbs to bind the meatball mixture together. Too much can result in dense meatballs.
3. Skipping the Browning Step:
- Browning the meatballs before baking adds flavor and texture to the dish. Don’t skip this step!
4. Not Using Enough Cheese:
- Be generous with the shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
5. Overstuffing the Sub Rolls:
- Avoid overstuffing the sub rolls with meatballs and sauce, as they may become soggy.
FAQ:
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Q2: Can I freeze leftover Meatball Subs?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover Meatball Subs for future enjoyment. Simply wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I make the meatballs in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q4: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use homemade marinara sauce for a more personalized touch.
Q5: Can I add additional toppings to the subs?
- Yes, feel free to customize your Meatball Subs with additional toppings such as sliced peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Conclusion:
Meatball Subs are a satisfying and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up these delicious subs in no time. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or game day gathering, Meatball Subs are sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Meatball Subs today!