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Italian Meatball Subs: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Sub

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Juicy, flavorful homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, piled high on Italian sub rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella. The ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 4 Italian sub rolls
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, onions, pepperoncini

Instructions

  1. Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Don’t overmix!
  2. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into approximately 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 16-20).
  3. Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  4. Set Aside Meatballs: Remove browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes).
  6. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  7. Incorporate Tomato Products: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.
  8. Season Sauce: Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well.
  9. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  10. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Make sure they are mostly submerged.
  11. Simmer Together: Cover the skillet and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  12. Prepare Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice Italian sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  13. Fill Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of meatballs and sauce into each roll.
  14. Add Cheese: Top each sub with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  15. Bake: Place the subs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
  16. Garnish and Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. You can also add other toppings like sliced bell peppers, onions, or pepperoncini for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture.
  • Use a good quality ground beef (80/20 blend).
  • Don’t skip the searing step.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow.
  • Use fresh ingredients.
  • Toast the rolls.
  • Get creative with toppings!
  • Spicy Meatball Subs: Add more red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Cheesy Meatball Subs: Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer, more complex flavor.
  • Vegetarian Meatball Subs: Substitute the ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
  • Garlic Bread Meatball Subs: Use garlic bread for the rolls for an extra garlicky flavor.

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