While Italian meatball marinara subs may hold a special place in the hearts of those with Italian heritage, their appeal extends far beyond cultural boundaries. The harmonious union of tender homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and fluffy brioche buns is a winning combination that can bring joy to anyone who appreciates juicy, satisfying comfort food. Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy lunch or a nutritious dinner option for a busy evening, this recipe checks all the boxes. By trading in store-bought subs for homemade goodness, you’ll experience a flavor and texture revolution that will leave you questioning why you ever settled for anything less.
How to Make the Best Meatball Sub You Ever Had
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with these mouthwatering subs that feature perfectly formed meatballs as their crowning glory. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at crafting Italian-inspired dishes or just discovering the joys of homemade meatballs, this recipe is sure to delight.
The journey begins by warming up a skillet with a harmonious blend of butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Next, combine the essential ingredients for your meatballs and use a trusty cookie scoop to shape them into uniform morsels.
Feel free to add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a dash of red pepper flakes to give your meatballs an extra boost of flavor. Once they’re browned all over, introduce the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes or so, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Meanwhile, prepare the brioche buns by brushing them with the same garlic butter mixture used earlier, then toast them in the oven for a couple of minutes. Assemble the subs by adding the cheese and meatballs to the toasted buns, and finally, broil everything together for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and shredded parmesan if desired, and get ready to savor each bite.
Some Shortcuts You Could Try
When it comes to making meatball sub sandwiches, there’s no need to start from scratch every time. Using store-bought meatballs and canned sauce can be a convenient shortcut that still yields a flavorful result. If you have leftover meatballs from a previous meal, they can also be repurposed into your subs. The key is to use high-quality meatballs, whether homemade or frozen, as well as a good marinara sauce. As long as these components are of good quality, the overall dish should still be delicious.
Homemade Meatball Subs Recipe FAQs
A meatball sub on its own is a satisfying meal, but adding some extras can elevate it to a whole new level. While the homemade meatballs in marinara sauce with cheese packed into sub rolls make for a complete meal, you might also consider serving a simple green salad or a cup of fruit on the side if you prefer. When it comes to cheese, the recipe calls for provolone and optional parmesan for garnish, but feel free to get creative and use your favorite type instead. Want to swap out the provolone for mozzarella or another kind? Go for it! The beauty of this easy meatball sub is that you can customize it to your taste.If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, all you need to do is ensure you’re using gluten-free bread crumbs in the meatballs and substitute in gluten-free buns. With these simple tweaks, everyone can enjoy a delicious meatball sub, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Italian Meatball Marinara Subs Recipe
Italian Meatball Marinara Subs
For those who crave the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and satisfying, Italian meatball marinara subs are a culinary dream come true. The trio of juicy homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and fluffy brioche buns creates a delightful combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty lunch or a satisfying snack, these delectable sandwiches are sure to hit the spot.
Instructions
As you prepare to cook, get your appliances ready. Preheat a frying pan over medium-high heat and the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In the meantime, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and sea salt in a bowl. Stir well to mix. Next, it’s time to make the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, black pepper, basil, fennel, diced onion, crushed garlic, 1 egg, and breadcrumbs. Thoroughly mix until all ingredients are well combined. Use a half-ounce cookie scoop to portion out uniform-sized meatballs, placing them on a tray as you go. Once you’ve prepared the meatballs, lightly spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray and add the meatballs. Brown the meatballs by turning them frequently, which should take around 5 minutes. After browning, reduce the heat and add marinara to the pan, stirring to coat the meatballs. Let it cook for 15 minutes while you work on the rolls. Spray the rolls with garlic butter and toast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes. While the subs are toasting, preheat the broiler to high heat. Assemble the subs by placing two slices of cheese, followed by three meatballs, on each roll. Place the subs under the broiler 6 inches away from the heat source and let them cook for 2 minutes. Finally, garnish with basil and grated Parmesan if desired.