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Comforting Meatball Subs Recipe Easy Homemade Marinara Mozzarella

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These comforting meatball subs feature tender, juicy meatballs in a flavorful homemade marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella, all served in a sturdy hoagie roll. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 hoagie rolls or crusty sub buns
  • 8 oz (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese or sliced fresh mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves or extra parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each. Place them spaced out on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). Remove from oven and set aside.
  5. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Gently stir the baked meatballs into the marinara sauce and let warm through for a few minutes on low heat.
  8. Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Toast lightly if desired.
  9. Spoon 3 meatballs with sauce into each roll. Top with about 2 oz shredded mozzarella per sandwich.
  10. Optional: Place subs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Toast rolls lightly to prevent sogginess. Broil cheese carefully to avoid burning. Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen before baking; add extra cooking time if baking from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball subs, homemade marinara, mozzarella, comfort food, easy dinner, sandwich, meatballs, quick recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/comforting-meatball-subs-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara-mozzarella/