Description

These Italian Meatball Subs are a hearty and flavorful sandwich perfect for a comforting meal. Juicy homemade meatballs are browned in a skillet, simmered in marinara sauce, and served on buttered French bread or sub rolls topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley. Quick to prepare and packed with classic Italian flavors, this recipe yields four satisfying subs perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 1/2 lbs. Ground Beef (preferably 80/20)
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 large Egg
3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
3/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (high-quality)
1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley (diced)

Sauce and Toppings

24-32 ounces Marinara Sauce
2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (or more depending on taste)
Butter (for bread)
Fresh Italian Parsley (for garnish)
Optional: Marinated Italian Peppers (for extra spice)

Bread

4 Sliced French Bread or Sub Rolls

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Start with high-quality ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, diced fresh Italian parsley, egg, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
Form and Brown Meatballs: Shape the mixture into large meatballs according to your preferred size. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once to brown all sides evenly.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: While browning the meatballs, heat your marinara sauce in a large pot (homemade or jarred). Once meatballs are browned, transfer them from the skillet into the simmering marinara sauce. Let them cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through.
Prepare the Bread: Cut each French bread or sub roll in half lengthwise, but do not slice all the way through to keep the halves attached. Spread butter generously over both sides of the bread. Preheat your oven to the broil setting. Place the bread on a baking sheet and broil just until the butter melts and the bread is lightly toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Assemble the Subs: Place the hot meatballs and some of the marinara sauce onto the toasted bread. Generously sprinkle with mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Return the assembled subs to the oven and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and garnish with fresh Italian parsley. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. For an added kick, top with marinated Italian peppers if desired.

Notes

Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy meatballs while leaner beef (like 85/15) results in slightly drier meatballs.
Panko bread crumbs help provide a light texture to the meatballs.
Watch the bread closely while broiling as it can quickly burn.
You can substitute French bread with any sturdy sub rolls to hold the meatballs and sauce.
Make your own marinara sauce or use your favorite jarred version for convenience.
Adding Italian peppers is optional for a spicy twist.
Fresh parsley adds brightness and a fresh herb flavor to the sandwich.