Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s a detailed list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make delicious Italian meatball sub sandwiches. The ingredients are split into two main parts – the meatballs and the sandwich assembly.

For the Meatballs

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

These ingredients mix together to create flavorful, juicy meatballs. The breadcrumbs and egg help bind everything, while the herbs and spices add lots of taste.

For the Sandwich

For the sandwich part, gather:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
• 4-6 tablespoons butter
• 8 slices Provolone, cut in half
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

The marinara sauce adds moisture and extra flavor. Buttered and toasted hoagie rolls give a nice crunch. Melted Provolone and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese make these subs extra cheesy and delicious.

Instructions

Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley in a bowl. Add ground chuck and Italian sausage, combining gently.

Form 16 meatballs. Brown them in olive oil over medium-high heat, about 8-10 minutes.

Add marinara sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring now and then.

Cut hoagie rolls lengthwise. Remove some inner bread to make room for meatballs.

Butter the cut sides and broil until golden, 2-3 minutes.

Add Provolone slices and broil again to melt.

Put meatballs on bottom halves of rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan and extra sauce.

Top with other half of roll. Serve with leftover sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Italian meatball subs!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily switch up this meatball sub recipe to suit your tastes. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.

Swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo or pesto to create a whole new flavor profile.

For the cheese, experiment with mozzarella, fontina, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Vegetarians can use plant-based meatballs or grilled portobello mushrooms as a tasty alternative.

Here are some quick variations to try:

• Greek-style: Use lamb meatballs, tzatziki sauce, and feta cheese
• Buffalo: Toss meatballs in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese
• BBQ: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and add coleslaw

Don’t like hoagie rolls? Use ciabatta, focaccia, or even slider buns for mini meatball subs.

For extra veggies, add sautéed peppers and onions or roasted eggplant to your sandwich.

Remember, you can always adjust the spices in the meatballs to match your preferred flavor profile. Have fun experimenting!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your meatballs uniform in size for even cooking. Use an ice cream scoop or kitchen scale to portion them out.

Don’t overmix the meat mixture. This can make your meatballs tough. Mix just until everything is combined.

For extra flavor, toast your hoagie rolls before adding the meatballs and cheese. This adds a nice crunch.

Try different cheese combinations. Mozzarella or fontina work great too.

Make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them. You’ll have easy meals ready to go.

To store leftovers, keep the meatballs and sauce separate from the bread. This prevents the rolls from getting soggy.

Reheat meatballs in a pan with some sauce. Warm the bread separately in the oven.

Your subs will stay fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just assemble them when you’re ready to eat.

For a lighter option, try turkey meatballs instead of beef and pork.

Add some veggies like sautéed bell peppers or onions to your sub for extra nutrition and flavor.