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Italian Meatball Subs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 54 reviews

These Italian Meatball Subs are a delicious and satisfying meal, featuring juicy homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, topped with melted provolone cheese, and served on toasted brioche rolls with garlic butter. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe serves 8 and combines classic Italian flavors in a comforting sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rolls and Garlic Butter

  • 8 sub rolls (brioche)
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Teaspoon garlic (freshly minced)
  • ½ Teaspoon dried parsley
  • Pinch sea salt

For the Meatballs

  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ½ Teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ Teaspoon basil
  • ½ Teaspoon fennel
  • ½ white onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

For the Sauce and Assembly

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 16 slices provolone cheese
  • Nonstick cooking spray (as needed)
  • Parmesan (freshly grated, for garnish)
  • Basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meatballs. Also preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Make Garlic Butter: Combine melted butter with freshly minced garlic, dried parsley, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Stir well to blend the flavors for brushing on the rolls.
  3. Prepare Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground pork, ground beef, black pepper, basil, fennel, diced onion, crushed garlic, egg, and Italian breadcrumbs. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to form the meatball mixture.
  4. Scoop Meatballs: Use a half-ounce cookie scoop to portion out uniform-sized meatballs. Place them on a tray to keep ready for cooking.
  5. Brown Meatballs: Lightly spray the preheated skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add meatballs and cook, turning frequently, until evenly browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes.
  6. Simmer in Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over browned meatballs in the skillet and stir gently to coat. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes to cook through and absorb flavor.
  7. Toast Rolls: Meanwhile, brush the insides and tops of the brioche rolls with the prepared garlic butter. Place in the oven and toast for about 2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
  8. Remove Rolls: Take toasted rolls out of the oven and set aside.
  9. Preheat Broiler: Set your oven broiler on high and adjust the rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
  10. Assemble Subs: Place two slices of provolone cheese inside each toasted roll, top with three meatballs coated in marinara sauce, then place the assembled subs under the broiler for approximately 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and begun to bubble.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh brioche rolls for a soft yet sturdy sandwich base.
  • You can substitute ground beef and pork with all beef or all pork if preferred.
  • If you want spicier meatballs, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
  • To make ahead, meatballs can be formed and refrigerated before cooking.
  • Ensure the broiler is closely monitored to prevent burning during cheese melting.

Keywords: Italian Meatball Subs, Meatball Sandwich, Homemade Meatballs, Provolone Cheese, Marinara Sauce, Brioche Rolls

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/italian-meatball-subs-recipe/