Description
This classic Meatball Subs recipe offers a delicious and savory sandwich experience with perfectly baked meatballs simmered in rich tomato basil sauce, topped with melted provolone cheese on fresh submarine rolls. Ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner, these subs combine Italian flavors and comforting textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped basil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Sauce and Assembly
- 1 jar (24 ounces) tomato basil sauce
- 4 submarine rolls
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the ground beef with seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, finely chopped basil, beaten egg, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into approximately 1.5-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring even sizing for uniform cooking. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the prepared meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and golden-brown on the outside.
- Warm Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, pour the tomato basil sauce into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat to prepare for simmering the meatballs.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Once baked, gently transfer the meatballs into the warmed tomato basil sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and stay moist.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice the submarine rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating pockets for the meatballs and sauce.
- Assemble Subs: Fill each roll with several meatballs and spoon some of the tomato basil sauce over them to enhance flavor and juiciness.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded provolone cheese evenly over the filled subs for a melty, cheesy topping.
- Bake Subs: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the provolone cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and serve immediately while hot and gooey for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different taste.
- For added heat, consider adding red chili flakes into the meatball mixture or sauce.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the best flavor in the meatballs.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
- Leftover sauce can be saved and used as a pasta topping for another meal.
- For a crispier sub roll, toast the rolls lightly before assembling.
