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Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs

Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
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Craving an easy weeknight meatball sub? Dinner’s a breeze with this recipe! Get your delicious meal today!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound ground pork
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 6 sub rolls or baguettes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine your ground beef and ground pork. Add in the egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix. Scoop out portions and gently roll them into 1.5 to 2-inch meatballs. You should get about 18-24 meatballs, depending on their size.
  • Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to work in batches to get a nice, even sear. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with tongs. This browning process usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch.
  • Once all your meatballs are beautifully browned, carefully remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium. If there’s too much grease in the pan, carefully drain off some, leaving about a tablespoon. Now, pour in the canned crushed tomatoes. Stir it gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add a pinch of sugar and a big handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped. Return the browned meatballs to the sauce, nestling them gently into the tomato mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and transfer it to your preheated oven.
  • Allow the meatballs to simmer in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and wonderfully tender. While the meatballs are simmering, prepare your sub rolls. Slice them lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a hinge. Once the meatballs are done, remove the skillet from the oven. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking. Keep those meatballs warm and ready!
  • To create the ultimate cheesy topping, melt a tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder to create a fragrant garlic butter. Once your sub rolls are sliced open, brush the inside of each roll evenly with this garlic butter. Now, generously layer both shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the buttered interior of each sub roll. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
  • It’s time for the grand assembly! First, turn your oven broiler on high. Carefully open up your buttered and cheesed sub rolls and place them onto a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of your tender, sauce-laden meatballs into each sub roll. Carefully slide the baking sheet under the broiler. Keep a very close eye on them, as broilers can be fierce! Broil for just 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown, and the bread is toasted to a perfect crisp. Once perfection is achieved, carefully remove the subs from the oven. Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately for the ultimate, piping hot, gooey, and utterly irresistible meatball sub experience.

Notes

Oh, prepare yourselves, because you’re about to meet your new favorite weeknight hero: the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub! This isn’t just any meatball sub; it’s a symphony of tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, nestled inside a perfectly toasted, crusty bread roll, and smothered with gooey, melted cheese. Every bite is an explosion of savory goodness, a comforting embrace that feels like a labor of love but comes together with surprising ease. It’s hearty, satisfying, and utterly irresistible, promising to transform any ordinary evening into a delicious celebration.

Find it online: https://thecozycuppa.com/easy-weeknight-meatball-subs/