Pin It Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwiches are the ultimate in comforting, hearty meals. Tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce are nestled into toasted rustic rolls and crowned with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for cozy gatherings, these sandwiches combine classic Italian-American flavors with a satisfying, warm embrace in every bite.
Pin It This sandwich not only brings warmth and comfort but also showcases the joy of handcrafted meals. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the Meatball Marinara Sub delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 50 g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs
- 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk
- For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Assembly
- 4 rustic sub rolls or hoagie rolls (about 20 cm / 8 inches each)
- 160 g (1 1/2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently until combined—do not overwork.
- 3. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs (about 3-4 cm each) and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4. Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- 5. While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
- 6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 7. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer together for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 8. Slice each sub roll lengthwise, leaving one side attached. Place on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 3–4 minutes until lightly crisp.
- 9. Spoon 4 meatballs and plenty of marinara sauce into each roll. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 10. Return subs to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 11. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid dense meatballs. Letting the sauce simmer uncovered enhances its depth and brings out natural sweetness. Toasting the rolls beforehand ensures the sandwich stays crisp and doesn't get soggy when the sauce is added.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, consider mixing beef with pork in the meatballs. You can add sautéed bell peppers or sliced olives to the marinara sauce for a unique twist. For those with dietary restrictions, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls.
Serviervorschläge
These meatball subs pair beautifully with a simple green salad and a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Pin It With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Meatball Marinara Sub recipe brings a cozy, satisfying meal to your table. Whether for family dinners or casual get-togethers, these sandwiches deliver on flavor and comfort every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep meatballs tender and juicy?
Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and milk, mixing gently without overworking. This helps retain moisture during baking for tender meatballs.
- → What’s the best way to achieve a rich marinara sauce?
Simmer crushed tomatoes with sautéed onion, garlic, basil, oregano, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Slow cooking allows flavors to deepen.
- → Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape and bake the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and warm them in the sauce before assembling the subs.
- → How should the sub rolls be toasted?
Slice rolls lengthwise, leaving one side attached, then toast in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 3–4 minutes until crisp but not too hard.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella provides a gooey melt while Parmesan adds sharpness. Together they create a creamy, flavorful finish.
- → Can I add extras to the sauce or meatballs?
Yes, try adding sautéed bell peppers or olives to the sauce, or mix pork with beef for enhanced flavor and texture in the meatballs.