The meatball sub is a beloved sandwich that combines the warmth of Italian comfort food with the convenience of a handheld meal. With juicy meatballs nestled in a toasted roll, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese, the meatball sub is a favorite at sandwich shops and casual eateries across the globe. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors or just love a hearty sandwich, the meatball sub is a satisfying and delicious option for lunch or dinner.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of the meatball sub, explore the key ingredients, and provide a simple, mouth-watering recipe you can make at home.
The Origins of the Meatball Sub
While meatballs themselves have roots in Italian cuisine, the meatball sub is widely considered an Italian-American creation. Italian immigrants in the United States began combining their traditional meatballs with crusty bread and tomato sauce, giving birth to this now-iconic sandwich. Over time, the meatball sub evolved into a popular choice at delis and pizzerias, particularly in areas with large Italian-American communities like New York and Philadelphia.
This sandwich’s appeal lies in its simplicity and heartiness—it’s a complete meal wrapped up in one satisfying package.
Key Ingredients of a Great Meatball Sub
Meatballs: The star of the sandwich, meatballs are usually made from a mixture of ground beef, pork, or veal, along with breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings. You can also use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Marinara Sauce: A rich, tomato-based marinara sauce is essential for coating the meatballs and adding flavor to the sandwich. You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own for a more personalized touch.
Bread: A sturdy, yet soft sub roll or hoagie roll is ideal. The bread needs to hold up to the saucy meatballs without falling apart, yet still be soft enough to soak up some of the sauce.
Cheese: Mozzarella and provolone are classic choices, but Parmesan or Romano can be used for extra flavor. The cheese is typically melted on top of the meatballs, creating a gooey, delicious finish.
Optional Toppings: Some variations of the meatball sub include additional toppings like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Meatball Sub Recipe
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, and veal)
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
For the sandwich:
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. You should end up with about 12-16 meatballs, depending on size.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides (about 8-10 minutes). If the skillet gets too crowded, you can do this in batches.
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Simmer in Marinara Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the meatballs back to the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to cook through and absorb the flavors of the marinara.
Prepare the Sub Rolls:
While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
If you like a crispier sandwich, you can lightly toast the rolls in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the subs.
Assemble the Meatball Subs:
Spoon 3-4 meatballs into each sub roll, along with a generous amount of marinara sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of the meatballs.
Place the assembled subs back in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like, you can also turn on the broiler for the last minute to give the cheese a golden, bubbly finish.
Serve:
Remove the subs from the oven, sprinkle with a little grated Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil for garnish, and serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Best Meatball Sub
Make Ahead: You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes it easier to whip up a quick and delicious sub when you’re in a hurry.
Choose the Right Bread: The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce, but soft enough to absorb some of the marinara. If your rolls seem too soft, toasting them briefly before assembling can help them hold up to the filling.
Customize to Taste: Add some heat with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce, or include sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Variations
Turkey Meatball Sub: Swap the beef for ground turkey for a leaner version of the sandwich. Turkey meatballs are lighter but still pack plenty of flavor when seasoned well.
Spicy Meatball Sub: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Meatball Sub: Use store-bought or homemade vegetarian meatballs made from plant-based ingredients. Pair with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese for a delicious meatless option.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Meatball Sub: Before adding the meatballs, brush the inside of the sub rolls with garlic butter and toast them to create a cheesy garlic bread base. This adds a rich, garlicky flavor to the sandwich.
Why the Meatball Sub Is a Classic
The meatball sub is popular because it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures: savory, juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese all encased in a soft, slightly crisp roll. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that feels indulgent without requiring too much effort. Whether you make it for a casual family dinner or a weekend lunch, the meatball sub is a satisfying dish that’s sure to please any crowd.
With this recipe, you can bring the classic meatball sub to your own kitchen, ready to enjoy at any time.
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