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Cheesy Meatball Subs

Cheesy Meatball Subs

Cheesy Meatball Subs are a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe offers a straightforward path to creating these delicious handheld delights right in your own kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 subs
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended for best flavor and juiciness
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-seasoned
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning
  • 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 8 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese optional, for extra cheesiness
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • - Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
    1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  2. Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs depending on size.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to brown them in batches). Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Stir to combine, ensuring all meatballs are coated in sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
    1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
  5. While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through, keeping one side attached to create a hinge.
    8 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
  6. Carefully arrange 2-3 meatballs with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce inside each prepared roll.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce in each roll. If using, add the provolone cheese as well.
    2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese
  8. Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
  9. Carefully remove the cheesy meatball subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
    Fresh basil or parsley

Notes

It's best to store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls if you plan on longer storage to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy upon reheating.
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