Description
A classic Italian-American comfort food, Italian Meatball Subs feature tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served in toasted hoagie rolls, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- For the Sauce and Subs:
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6-8 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Optional: additional grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix). Roll mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through, just nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet (drain excess fat if needed), add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Assemble Subs: Preheat oven broiler. Split hoagie rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through.
- Spoon several meatballs and plenty of sauce into each roll. Top generously with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Place the filled subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for the meatballs.
- Ensure the meatballs are not overmixed, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce for a longer period will make them more tender and flavorful.
- Watch the subs closely under the broiler to prevent them from burning, as the cheese can brown quickly.