Meatball Subs

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:

Let’s dive into the process of making Meatball Subs:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  2. 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.
  3. Form the Meatballs:
    • Shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter, and set them aside.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare the Sub Rolls:
    • While the meatballs are baking, partially slice open the sub rolls.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!

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