Meatball Sub Sandwich Recipe: Classic Italian Comfort Food
Enjoy a homemade Italian meatball sub sandwich with juicy meatballs, tangy marinara, and melted cheese in a soft sub roll.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20
- ¼ lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 can 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fresh basil chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 Italian sub rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2 tbsp butter melted (for toasting the bread)
- Extra Parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 10 minutes.
- Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
For the Marinara Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
- Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before using.
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the sub rolls and lightly brush the inside with melted butter.
- Toast the rolls in the oven for 5 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on both sides of the bread.
- Place 4-6 meatballs in each roll and spoon more marinara sauce over them.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese over the meatballs.
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!