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Meatball Sub Sandwich

Juicy homemade beef-and-pork meatballs baked in marinara sauce, piled into a hoagie roll, and topped with melted provolone and mozzarella. A classic Italian-American sub that beats any takeout.

45 minEasyServes 4620 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanLunchOvenStandardHigh ProteinAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 4 rolls hoagie rolls (sub rolls), split lengthwise
  • 8 provolone cheese slices
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef (80/20), 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 beaten large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overwork.

  3. 3

    Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches) and place on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. 4

    Bake for 18-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Transfer meatballs to a saucepan, add 2 cups marinara sauce, and warm over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Turn the oven to broil. Place 4 rolls split lengthwise hoagie rolls (sub rolls) cut-side up on a baking sheet. Lay 8 provolone cheese slices on the bottom halves and broil 1-2 minutes until the cheese begins to melt.

  6. 6

    Spoon meatballs and sauce onto the provolone-lined rolls. Top with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and broil another 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.

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Questions

What oven temperature does Meatball Sub Sandwich need?

For Meatball Sub Sandwich, the oven is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 20 minutes, in step 4. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What should Meatball Sub Sandwich look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until the cheese begins to melt. Step 6: cook until bubbly and golden. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Why does Meatball Sub Sandwich say not to overmix?

Step 2 reads: "Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overwork." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 2 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning in Meatball Sub Sandwich?

The entry for Meatball Sub Sandwich calls for 1 tsp Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Meatball Sub Sandwich?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Meatball Sub Sandwich uses 1 lb ground beef (80/20).

Does Meatball Sub Sandwich contain eggs?

Yes: 1 large egg, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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