Homestyle Meatball Subs with Marinara Sauce -

Explore the delightful world of homestyle cooking with this hearty meatball sub recipe. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, meatball subs bring together the rich flavors of tender meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese nestled in a warm hoagie roll. This article will guide you through making these delicious sandwiches from scratch, ensuring a satisfying meal that evokes nostalgia and warmth.

Homestyle Meatball Subs with Marinara Sauce

Discover the joy of making hearty homestyle meatball subs, a comfort food favorite perfect for family gatherings. This recipe combines tender meatballs made from a mix of ground beef and pork, topped with savory marinara sauce and melted cheese, all nestled in warm hoagie rolls. With step-by-step guidance and tips for preparing the meatballs and sauce, you can create a satisfying meal that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Get ready to indulge in every delicious bite!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (80% lean)

1/2 pound ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 large egg

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

For the Subs:

4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

- Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.

Shape Meatballs:

- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Meatballs:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.

Make the Marinara Sauce:

- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the marinara sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Subs:

- While the meatballs are simmering, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.

- Preheat the broiler on high. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for a few minutes until golden brown.

Assemble the Meatball Subs:

- Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce and meatballs into each toasted roll. Make sure to include some sauce on top.

- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs.

Melt the Cheese:

- Return the assembled subs to the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

- Remove the subs from the oven, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the hearty flavors of your homestyle meatball subs!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4