Perfect Meatball Subs Recipe

Get started by preparing the meatball mixture. In a mixing bowl, you’ll want to combine 1 pound of lean ground beef with 1 egg, ½ cup of seasoned bread crumbs, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Use your hands to gently mix this until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. It should feel moist yet firm, perfect to hold together when formed.

Next, form and cook the meatballs by shaping the meat mixture into about 12 evenly-sized meatballs. A gentle touch here will ensure a tender result, so try not to pack them too tightly. Arrange these on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for roughly 20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. If you’re doing this right, the delightful aroma of herbs and spices will soon fill your kitchen.

Meanwhile, heat the sauce by warming 2 cups of marinara sauce in a medium pot over low to medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, allowing those rich flavors to meld and intensify, creating a tangy essence that beautifully encases the meatballs.

Now, it’s time to prepare the hoagie rolls. Slice 4 hoagie rolls lengthwise and spread 1 tablespoon of garlic butter inside each one. This ensures an even coating, lending the rolls an aromatic, buttery base. Toast them under a preheated broiler until the edges are golden and crisp, but keep the interior soft for the perfect balance.

To assemble the subs, place 3-4 meatballs into each roll. Spoon 1/4 cup of the warm marinara sauce generously over the meatballs. Top it off with 1/4 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend or a combination of mozzarella and provolone for that tantalizingly gooey finish.

Finally, melt the cheese by broiling the assembled subs just until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, which will take about 1-2 minutes. This final step enhances each bite with creamy flavor, creating subs that are nothing short of irresistible.