Italian Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- • 450 g ground beef
- • 225 g ground pork
- • 80 g breadcrumbs
- • 60 ml whole milk
- • 50 g parmesan cheese, grated
- • 2 item eggs
- • 3 cloves garlic
- • 15 g fresh parsley, chopped
- • 5 ml dried oregano
- • 5 ml salt
- • 2.5 ml black pepper
- • 30 ml olive oil
- • 720 ml marinara sauce
- • 4 item sub rolls
- • 225 g mozzarella cheese, sliced
- • 10 g fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined - don't overmix or the meatballs will be tough.
- 4
Form the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter each. Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform sizing.
- 5
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
- 6
Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
- 7
While meatballs finish cooking, warm the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- 8
Remove meatballs from the oven and add them to the marinara sauce. Simmer together for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 9
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, leaving one edge attached as a hinge. Lightly toast them in the oven for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- 10
Place 4 meatballs in each sub roll and spoon generous amounts of marinara sauce over them.
- 11
Top each sub with sliced mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 12
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition data is approximate and derived from OpenFoodFacts.org. Values may vary based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. Not intended as dietary or medical advice.
Chef's Note
"These hearty meatball subs are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd—the combination of beef and pork creates incredibly tender meatballs, and toasting the rolls with melted mozzarella takes them over the top. Don't skip browning the meatballs first; it adds a depth of flavor that makes all the difference."
