Cheesy Meatball Subs
Cheesy Meatball Subs are one of those comforting delights that everyone loves. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft hoagie roll stuffed with juicy, flavorful meatballs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella—sounds delicious, right? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying with minimal fuss. It’s easy to prepare, and the best part is that everyone in the family can’t resist these cheesy, meaty subs!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up these Cheesy Meatball Subs at home. For one, they’re incredibly quick to make, which is a lifesaver for hectic evenings. You can prepare everything within an hour, making them an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. Plus, they are budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Kids absolutely adore them, making this a go-to recipe for family meals.
As one satisfied home chef put it:
“These meatball subs have become a regular feature in our home! They are always devoured within minutes. So easy and packed with flavor!”
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making Cheesy Meatball Subs is a straightforward and satisfying experience. You’ll start by mixing your ingredients together to form delicious meatballs. After baking, they’ll get a warm bath in marinara sauce before being nestled into soft hoagie rolls, topped off with melty mozzarella. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll gather for this scrumptious recipe:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option! Or, for a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based meat substitutes.
Directions to Follow
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and your desired amount of salt and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and lay them out on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
- Meanwhile, warm up the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat and gently add the baked meatballs, letting them simmer for a few minutes.
- Split the hoagie rolls in half and arrange them on a baking dish.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each roll, generously topping them with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the loaded rolls in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm and dive into your delicious Cheesy Meatball Subs!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To create an appealing presentation for your Cheesy Meatball Subs, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or basil. Serve alongside a crisp side salad or some baked potato wedges to round out the meal. For a fun twist, you can even try dipping the subs into additional marinara sauce!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers, keeping them good for about a month. When reheating, ensure everything is heated thoroughly to a safe temperature.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- If you want added flavor, try adding some chopped onion or bell peppers to the meatball mixture!
- To save time, prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
- Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer; ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get adventurous with this recipe! Try incorporating different herbs like oregano or thyme. You can also switch up the cheese; pepper jack adds a nice kick, while a blend of Italian cheeses can enhance flavor. For a healthier option, swap out hoagie rolls for whole grain or lettuce wraps.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time to prepare and cook these Cheesy Meatball Subs is about 40-50 minutes.Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze the meatballs ahead of time. Just thaw and bake before serving.Are there any vegetarian options?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version of these subs.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with these irresistible Cheesy Meatball Subs! Your family and friends will appreciate the love you put into this delicious meal.
Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and desired amount of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and lay them out on a baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Meanwhile, warm up the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat and gently add the baked meatballs, letting them simmer for a few minutes.
- Split the hoagie rolls in half and arrange them on a baking dish.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each roll, topping them generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the loaded rolls in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
