Description
Savory mini meatball subs deliver an explosion of Italian-inspired comfort, packed with juicy seasoned morsels nestled in warm, crusty bread. Cheese melts perfectly over tender meatballs, creating a quick and irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 egg
Cheese and Dairy:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Seasonings and Fillers:
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 12 mini sub rolls, slider buns, or dinner rolls
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a robust mixture by thoroughly blending ground meat with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and classic Italian seasoning, ensuring all components integrate seamlessly.
- Delicately form the mixture into compact, uniform meatballs approximately one tablespoon in size, maintaining gentle handling to preserve meat texture.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat, lightly coating the surface with cooking oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Carefully introduce meatballs into the heated skillet, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, which typically requires 6-8 minutes.
- Generously cascade marinara sauce over the perfectly seared meatballs, allowing them to simmer and absorb rich, tangy flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for the final transformation of these savory bites.
- Gently slice submarine rolls, maintaining a connected base, and arrange them in a baking dish or on a sheet pan.
- Optional: Enhance flavor potential by brushing roll tops with a garlic-infused melted butter mixture.
- Nestle 2-3 sauce-coated meatballs into each prepared roll, creating a hearty foundation.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for perfectly melted cheese and slightly crisp roll edges.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil, then serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Choose lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for a healthier version that’s lower in fat and calories.
- Mix meats like beef and pork for a more complex, rich flavor profile in your meatballs.
- Work quickly and gently when forming meatballs to prevent them from becoming tough and dense.
- Toast buns briefly before adding meatballs to prevent sogginess and enhance bread’s texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg