Cheesy Meatball Subs

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Meatball Subs are a delicious and comforting option for lunch or dinner. They combine tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese all tucked inside soft hoagie rolls. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, game days, or any night when you want something hearty. Plus, making them is easy and fun!

How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce to coat.
6. Slice the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking tray.
7. Fill each roll with meatballs and marinara, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your Cheesy Meatball Subs!

How to Serve Cheesy Meatball Subs

Cheesy Meatball Subs are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with a side of fresh salad or crispy fries for a complete meal. You can also provide extra marinara sauce for dipping if you like it saucy!

How to Store Cheesy Meatball Subs

If you have leftovers, let them cool down to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for about 3 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs

• Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture; this can make them tough.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add some chopped bell peppers or onions to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

Variation

For a spicy twist, try adding red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or using spicy marinara sauce. You can also substitute the mozzarella cheese with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs to save time, just heat them in the marinara sauce before assembling the subs.

2. Can these be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance. Just bake them, let them cool, and then refrigerate. Reheat in the sauce before serving.

3. How can I make these vegetarian?
You can use plant-based ground meat or make meatballs using lentils and vegetables for a vegetarian version of this dish.