Quick and Delicious Meatball Sub Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious meal for your busy weeknights? Look no further than the Tasty Weeknight Meatball Sandwich! These homemade meatball subs are the epitome of comfort food, with juicy meatballs, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in a warm, crusty roll. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this Tasty Weeknight Meatball Sandwich recipe, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. From the perfectly seasoned meatballs to the rich tomato sauce and generous sprinkle of mozzarella, each component plays a crucial role in creating a truly unforgettable sandwich experience. Trust me, once you try these subs, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

To make the most of this culinary delight, be sure to assemble and enjoy your Tasty Weeknight Meatball Sandwiches while the cheese is still piping hot and gooey. And if you’re looking to prep ahead, simply store the meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge and warm them up when you’re ready to indulge. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up these tasty meatball sandwiches in no time for a satisfying meal on busy weeknights.
• Delicious Italian-American Comfort Food: Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese in every bite.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time for convenient meal prepping and enjoy fresh, hot sandwiches whenever you’re ready to eat.
• Perfect for Casual Gatherings: These hearty sandwiches are great for serving at gatherings alongside Italian sides like garlic knots, Caesar salad, chips, and antipasto platters.

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Delicious Meatball Sub Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: This recipe is simple and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Homemade Comfort Food: Enjoy the comfort of homemade meatball subs with tender, flavorful meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, all packed into warm and crusty bread.
• Perfectly Seasoned Meatballs: The blend of ingredients like garlic, Italian herbs, and chili flakes gives the meatballs a burst of flavor, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
• Italian-American Flavors: Capture the heart of Italian-American cooking with these meatball subs, a classic favorite that never fails to impress.
• Great for Meal Prep: Easily prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 4 days, then warm them up when ready to eat for a convenient meal option.
• Hot and Stretchy Cheese: The melted mozzarella cheese adds a gooey and irresistible element to the sandwich, making it a cheesy delight that you’ll love to savor.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual dinner with family or a gathering with friends, these meatball subs are a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with sides like Caesar salad, garlic knots, chips, or antipasto plates.
• Tips for Optimal Enjoyment: From selecting fresh bread rolls to watching the broiler closely, the recipe provides valuable tips to ensure you get the best-tasting meatball subs every time.

Ingredients for Quick and Delicious Meatball Sub Recipe

From-Scratch Meatballs

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb mix
• 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• ½ cup panko crumbs

Sandwich Building

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 24 meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
• 8 hot dog rolls
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Pro Tips for Quick and Delicious Meatball Sub Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To elevate the flavor of your meatballs, consider adding a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a richer taste. You can also experiment with adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for an extra savory kick.

Pro Tip 2: When assembling your meatball subs, toast the hot dog rolls lightly before adding the meatballs and cheese. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too soggy and enhance the overall texture of your sandwich.

Pro Tip 3: For a fun twist, consider customizing your meatball subs with additional toppings like sautéed peppers and onions, fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These additions can add layers of flavor and freshness to your sandwich, making it even more satisfying.

How to Make Quick and Delicious Meatball Sub Recipe

Step 1: Create Meatballs

Mix together all ingredients for the meatballs and form into 24 small balls. Heat oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides.

Step 2: Simmer Meatballs

Cover the meatballs with tomato sauce, then cook on medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 3: Get Ready

Place the rolls on a baking sheet and adjust the oven rack to be positioned 6 inches below the broiler.

Step 4: Finish and Heat

Place 3 meatballs in each roll, top with sauce and cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Tasty Weeknight Meatball Sandwich, it is best to keep the meatballs and sauce separately from the bread in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the sandwich, warm the meatball mixture in a pan over medium heat before assembling the subs. Remember that the quality of the bread is crucial, so try to get fresh rolls on the same day you plan to eat them for the best taste and texture.

For serving day, consider some advance prep ideas to save time. Keep an eye on your oven’s broiler as cooking times may vary. To maintain warmth after assembling the subs, loosely cover them with aluminum foil, ensuring not to wrap them tightly to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. If you’re serving a crowd, you can keep the meatballs and sauce warm in a covered skillet over low heat until you’re ready to build the sandwiches. Enjoy these flavorful meatball subs with traditional Italian sides like Caesar salad, garlic knots, or a simple antipasto plate for a complete meal experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, you can substitute the extra-lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These lean alternatives will still provide a tasty and healthier protein base for your meatballs. You can also try using a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version of these subs, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. Just make sure to season the substitute well to enhance the flavors in the meatballs.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, you can swap the panko crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This substitution will help bind the meatballs together while keeping them crispy on the outside. Additionally, you can use gluten-free hot dog rolls or your favorite gluten-free bread for assembling the sandwiches. Make sure to check the labels on store-bought ingredients like tomato sauce and Italian herb mix to ensure they are gluten-free if needed.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these tasty weeknight meatball sandwiches, consider turning them into a meatball sub bar for a casual gathering. Set out bowls of additional toppings like sautéed peppers and onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh basil leaves for guests to customize their subs to their liking. Pair the sandwiches with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, creamy garlic aioli, and spicy sriracha mayo for an interactive and delicious dining experience.

To elevate the presentation of these homemade meatball subs, serve them on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color. Complete the meal with a side of homemade parmesan truffle fries or a refreshing arugula salad drizzled with balsamic glaze for a well-rounded and satisfying Italian-inspired feast.

FAQs for Quick and Delicious Meatball Sub Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef and will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly from using beef.

Can I freeze the meatballs for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs for later use. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses for your meatball subs. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be delicious alternatives to mozzarella.

How can I prevent the bread from getting soggy when storing leftovers?

To prevent the bread from getting soggy when storing leftovers, keep the meatball mixture separate from the bread until ready to eat. When reheating, warm the meatballs and sauce in a pan over medium heat before assembling the subs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Tasty Weeknight Meatball Sandwiches are a fantastic choice for a quick and delicious dinner. By following this simple recipe and incorporating a few tips and tricks, you can create a meal that is sure to satisfy everyone at your table. The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese nestled in a warm roll is a winning one that will have your family coming back for seconds.

So, next time you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare, give these Tasty Weeknight Meatball Sandwiches a try. With a little bit of effort and a whole lot of flavor, you can enjoy a homemade dinner that feels like a treat any day of the week. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious subs, and savor every bite of this classic Italian-American favorite.