Description
These Cheesy French Onion Meatball Subs combine tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a savory beef broth with sweet caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled in warm hoagie rolls. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Onions & Broth
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Assembly
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for melting the cheese later.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, then shape into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: Using the same skillet, melt butter and add thinly sliced onions. Reduce heat to low and slowly sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with caramelized onions. Pour in beef broth and let everything simmer for 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the broth has reduced slightly.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, creating a hinge to hold fillings.
- Assemble Subs: Place 4 meatballs in each hoagie roll. Spoon generous amounts of caramelized onions and some of the reduced broth over the meatballs.
- Add Cheese: Top each sub with shredded Swiss cheese, evenly distributing it over the meatballs and onions.
- Bake Subs: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the subs hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer stronger onion flavor, add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar during the onion caramelization step.
- For extra crispiness, toast the hoagie rolls lightly before assembling.
- Use fresh ground black pepper and good-quality Parmesan for enhanced flavor.
- Leftover meatballs and onions can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.