If you’re in the mood for a delicious and hearty sandwich that’s packed with flavor, this Italian Meatball Sub recipe is the perfect choice. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing a game day snack, these meatball subs are sure to satisfy your cravings. This recipe combines succulent meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and the satisfying crunch of a French baguette. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings per Recipe: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 French baguette
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt, or to taste
- 1 (14 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
- 4 slices provolone cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatballs.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, dried Italian seasoning, minced garlic, minced parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into meatballs of your preferred size. A common size is around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 22 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Baguette: While the meatballs are baking, cut the French baguette in half lengthwise. You can also scoop out some of the bread from the inside to create more space for the meatballs.
- Toast the Baguette: Place both halves of the baguette in the oven and toast them for about 6 minutes or until they become slightly crispy. Remove them from the oven.
- Heat the Spaghetti Sauce: In a saucepan, heat up the spaghetti sauce over medium heat until it’s warmed through.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the warmed spaghetti sauce and gently mix to coat them evenly.
- Assemble the Subs: Place the saucy meatballs onto one half of the toasted baguette. Add a slice of provolone cheese on top of each meatball.
- Final Toast: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and toast for an additional 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove your Italian Meatball Subs from the oven, put the sandwich halves together, and slice them into individual servings. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade meatball subs!
TIPS:
- Choose Lean Ground Beef: To keep your meatballs moist and flavorful without excess grease, opt for lean ground beef with around 85% lean meat.
- Fresh Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works well, using fresh herbs like basil and oregano can elevate the taste of your meatballs and sauce.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for your meatballs, mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing can result in denser meatballs.
- Bread Selection: Choose a high-quality French baguette with a crispy crust and a soft interior. This will provide the perfect texture contrast to your meatballs.
- Melting Cheese: If you love gooey, melted cheese, consider placing the provolone slices on top of the meatballs in the oven for the last few minutes of toasting.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Calories: 781 kcal
- Fat: 31.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 78.2 g
- Protein: 43.6 g
- Cholesterol: 141 mg
- Sodium: 1473 mg
These Italian Meatball Subs are a delightful combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and the perfect amount of cheese, all nestled in a crispy baguette. Whether you’re serving them for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Customize them with your favorite toppings or additional herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Get ready to savor every bite!
