Name: Beefy Meatball Sub: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Sandwich
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 Subs
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended); 1/2 lb Ground Pork; 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley; 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1/2 Yellow Onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil; 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for browning); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1/2 Yellow Onion, finely diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce; 1 (6 ounce) can Tomato Paste; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil; 1/4 teaspoon Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 cup Water (or Beef Broth); 4 Sub Rolls (Italian or hoagie, 6-8 inches); 8 slices Provolone Cheese; Optional Toppings: Sliced Bell Peppers, Sautéed Onions, Banana Peppers

Beefy Meatball Sub: the ultimate comfort food experience! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crusty roll overflowing with juicy, seasoned meatballs, smothered in tangy marinara sauce, and blanketed with melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is just writing about it!

The meatball sub, a beloved staple of Italian-American cuisine, has humble beginnings. It evolved from the classic Italian meatball dish, "polpette al sugo," adapted by Italian immigrants in the United States who had access to more affordable meat and readily available bread. This ingenious combination quickly became a lunchtime favorite and a symbol of hearty, satisfying fare.

What makes the Beefy Meatball Sub so irresistible? It's the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The tender, savory meatballs contrast beautifully with the crisp bread, while the rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese create a symphony of deliciousness. It's also incredibly convenient – a complete meal in a single sandwich! Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or simply a comforting treat, this meatball sub recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Get ready to experience meatball perfection!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
1/2 lb Ground Pork (adds moisture and richness)
1 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred, or plain with added Italian seasoning)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 Yellow Onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for browning the meatballs)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 Yellow Onion, finely diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
1 (6 ounce) can Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
1/4 teaspoon Sugar (balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 cup Water (or Beef Broth for richer flavor)

For the Subs:

4 Sub Rolls (Italian or hoagie rolls, about 6-8 inches long)
8 slices Provolone Cheese (or Mozzarella, if preferred)
Optional Toppings: Sliced Bell Peppers, Sautéed Onions, Banana Peppers

Making the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, minced garlic, diced onion, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Roll the meat mixture into approximately 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They don't need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. Browning adds a lot of flavor!
Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce:

In the same skillet (or a large pot), add the remaining olive oil.
Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Stir in the oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Add the water (or beef broth) and stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Combining Meatballs and Sauce:

Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or pot, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful and tender they will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or sugar to your liking.

Assembling the Subs:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
While the oven is preheating, gently slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Spoon a generous amount of the meatball and sauce mixture into each sub roll. Aim for about 5-6 meatballs per sub.
Top each sub with two slices of provolone cheese (or mozzarella).
Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the subs are heated through.
If desired, broil the subs for the last minute or two to get the cheese nicely browned and bubbly. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
Remove the subs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Add your favorite toppings, such as sliced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or banana peppers.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, homemade Beefy Meatball Subs!

Tips for the Best Meatball Subs:

Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork: This combination provides the best flavor and texture.
Brown the meatballs before simmering: Browning adds a depth of flavor to the meatballs and the sauce.
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least an hour: This allows the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to become tender.
Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be.
Toast the sub rolls: Toasting the rolls before adding the meatballs and sauce will help prevent them from getting soggy.
Don't be afraid to experiment with toppings: Add your favorite toppings to customize your meatball subs.

Variations:

Spicy Meatball Subs: Add more red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce for a spicier kick.
Chicken Meatball Subs: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef and pork.
Turkey Meatball Subs: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef and pork.
Vegetarian Meatball Subs: Use vegetarian meatballs and a vegetarian-friendly sauce.
Meatball Sliders: Use smaller rolls to make meatball sliders, perfect for parties or appetizers.

Conclusion:

This isn't just another meatball sub recipe; it's a journey to meatball sub perfection, and I truly believe you need to experience it! From the juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in that rich, homemade sauce to the perfectly toasted bread, every element works in harmony to create a sandwich that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting a game-day gathering. But what truly sets this recipe apart is the depth of flavor. We're not talking about bland, store-bought meatballs swimming in a jar of generic sauce. We're talking about meatballs bursting with savory goodness, thanks to the carefully selected blend of ground beef, seasonings, and that secret ingredient (shhh!). And the sauce? Oh, the sauce! It's slow-cooked to perfection, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a symphony of deliciousness. It's the kind of sauce you'll want to sop up with every last bite of bread. Why is this Beefy Meatball Sub a must-try? Because it's more than just a sandwich; it's an experience. It's a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a celebration of good food shared with good company. It's the kind of meal that leaves you feeling warm, satisfied, and utterly content. Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations! While I personally love this Beefy Meatball Sub exactly as it's written, there's always room for a little personalization. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage in the meatball mixture. If you're a cheese lover (and who isn't?), try adding a layer of provolone or mozzarella cheese under the meatballs before broiling for an extra gooey and decadent treat. For serving, I recommend pairing these subs with a simple side salad or some crispy potato chips. They're also fantastic with a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. And if you're feeling extra fancy, you can even serve them with a side of homemade garlic bread for dipping in the leftover sauce. But the most important thing is to have fun with it! Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature meatball sub. Maybe you want to add some sautéed peppers and onions to the sauce, or perhaps you prefer a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a truly amazing meatball sub. I poured my heart and soul into creating this recipe, and I truly believe it's the best one out there. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen! And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I can't wait to hear from you! Happy cooking! I know you will love this Beefy Meatball Sub as much as I do.