EASY CHEESY MEATBALL SUBS

Craving that satisfying, melty, saucy goodness that only a truly epic sandwich can deliver? Sink your teeth into a Cheesy Meatball Sub overflowing with savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and a blanket of gooey, melted cheese – it’s the kind of comfort food that hits all the right spots, and I promise, this recipe will become your new go-to for a quick and delicious meal.

The Stars of the Show: Your Cheesy Meatball Sub Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Subs:

• 4 submarine sandwich rolls
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone, or your favorite!)
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Making Your Meatball Magic

Alright, friend, let’s walk through this step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! I’m here to guide you.

Step 1: Meatball Mania

1. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Use your hands (yes, get in there!) to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs will be tough.
2. Roll the mixture into about 16-20 meatballs, roughly the same size.
3. You have two options here:
   • Option A (Oven): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
   • Option B (Stovetop): Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove them from the skillet and set aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauce It Up!

1. In the same skillet (or a separate large pot), heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian herbs, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. If you browned your meatballs on the stovetop, gently add them to the simmering sauce. If you baked them, you can add them now too!
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they’ll become! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sub Assembly Time!

1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Split the submarine sandwich rolls lengthwise.
3. Spoon a generous amount of meatballs and sauce onto each roll.
4. Top with two slices of mozzarella cheese per sub.
5. Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and starting to brown. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler!
6. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Okay, let’s be real, things don’t always go perfectly in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to tackle them:

• Meatballs are too dry: Add a little more milk to the meatball mixture.
• Meatballs are falling apart: Make sure you’re not overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and can make the meatballs tough and prone to falling apart. Also, make sure your egg is well distributed.
• Sauce is too acidic: Add a pinch of sugar (or a small pat of butter) to balance the acidity.
• Subs are soggy: To prevent soggy subs, lightly toast the rolls before adding the meatballs and sauce. You can also broil the subs open-faced first to create a barrier against the sauce.

Spice It Up: Variations on a Theme

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas to customize your cheesy meatball subs:

• Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce.
• Garlic Bread Subs: Spread garlic butter on the inside of the rolls before adding the meatballs and sauce.
• Vegetarian Subs: Use plant-based meatballs instead of ground meat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Add Veggies: Sauté some bell peppers and onions and add them to the sauce.

Side Dish Suggestions

These Cheesy Meatball Subs are a meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few side dish ideas:

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Garlic bread (of course!)
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Pasta salad

Beyond the Meatball Sub: Other Delicious Ground Beef Recipes

If you’ve got ground beef on hand and are looking for more inspiration, check out these other fantastic recipes. You might enjoy whipping up some Baked Ground Beef Tacos for a fun and customizable meal, or maybe a hearty Salisbury Steak. For a cheesy twist, the Pizza Tot Casserole is always a hit, and for a fancy feel with common ingredients, there’s Philly Cheesesteak Pasta. For another sandwich option, why not try Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups?

Storing Your Leftover Goodness

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls to prevent them from getting soggy. The meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The rolls can be stored at room temperature in a bread bag or airtight container. To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Reassemble the subs and broil them until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cheesy Meatball Subs: A Recipe for Success

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Cheesy Meatball Subs that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories, share laughter, and savor the simple joys of a delicious meal. Happy cooking, my friend!