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Classic Meatball Subs


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

Warm, garlicky tomato sauce and pillowy meatballs tucked into a toasty roll make for instant comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 300 g (10.6 oz) ground beef
  • 200 g (7 oz) ground pork
  • 75 g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs, soaked in 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 75 g (1/2 cup) finely grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 30 g (1/4 cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 15 g (1/4 cup) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil (for browning)
  • 800 g (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls

Instructions

  1. Hydrate the breadcrumbs and combine: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with milk and let sit for 5 minutes. Add egg, Parmesan, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Mix in the meats gently: Add ground beef and pork. Fold until just combined — avoid overmixing.
  3. Portion and brown the meatballs: Form 12 meatballs (about 55 g each). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Make the tomato sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
  5. Finish meatballs in sauce: Nestle browned meatballs into the sauce. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
  6. Toast the rolls and assemble: Split rolls, spoon sauce onto the cut sides, fill with meatballs, and top with shredded mozzarella. Broil until cheese is melted.
  7. Serve immediately: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For egg-free version, use plain yogurt or a flax egg. Consider using turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 760
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg