Italian Meatball Subs with Mozzarella -

To create the magic of these meatball subs, you'll need a delightful mix of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Italian Meatball Subs with Mozzarella

Indulge in the warmth of Hearty Italian Meatball Subs with Melty Mozzarella, a dish steeped in love and family traditions. This comforting recipe features homemade meatballs simmered in savory marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and nestled in fresh sub rolls. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these subs are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Create lasting memories with every bite as you share this delightful meal with loved ones.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance acidity)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Subs:

4 hoagie rolls

8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.

- Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Cook the Meatballs:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a splash of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.

- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the granulated sugar, torn basil, and season with salt and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently.

- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and nestle them into the sauce. Cover and let everything simmer on low for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Subs:

- Carefully slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. If you prefer a toasted texture, place the rolls in the oven for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.

- Spoon 2-3 meatballs along with the marinara sauce into each hoagie roll. Layer generously with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.

Melt the Cheese:

- Transfer the assembled subs onto a baking sheet and place them back in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

- Remove the subs from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan on top. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the meatball subs on a wooden cutting board or a colorful platter, garnished with extra basil leaves for a fresh touch. Add a small bowl of marinara on the side for dipping! Enjoy!