Description
These Classic Italian Meatball Subs feature tender meatballs mixed with beef and pork, doused in marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella, all served in a toasted sub roll.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef (80/20)
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground pork
- 120 g (1 cup) plain breadcrumbs
- 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely minced (about 100 g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 g (¼ cup) chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 200 g (7 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 40 g (¼ cup) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 12 g (2 tsp) kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 700 ml (3 cups) marinara sauce
- 4 sturdy sub rolls (about 180–200 g / 6–7 oz each)
Instructions
- Make the meatball mix: In a skillet, sauté the minced onion in 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over medium heat until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Let cool, then combine with egg, milk, breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, folding gently until just combined.
- Portion and shape the meatballs: Weigh or scoop 60 g (about 2 oz) portions and shape into balls, yielding about 16 meatballs. Rest for 5 minutes while heating the pan.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high with 15 ml olive oil. Sear meatballs in batches for 6–8 minutes total, transferring to a plate afterward.
- Simmer in sauce: Pour marinara into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Add meatballs back to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until tender.
- Prepare rolls and assemble: Preheat the broiler. Split and toast rolls for 1–2 minutes. Spoon meatballs and marinara into each roll; top with mozzarella.
- Melt cheese and finish: Broil sandwiches for 1–2 minutes until the cheese bubbles. Let sit for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fennel pollen or a bit of ground fennel seed to the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg