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Hearty Homestyle Meatball Subs are a comfort food classic that brings the warmth of home-cooked meals right to your table. This delightful dish combines juicy meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in a crispy sub roll. Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or a cozy night in, these meatball subs are not just filling but also bursting with flavor. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of the process from preparing the meatballs to assembling the perfect sub. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore the nuances that make it a favorite among food lovers!

Homestyle Meatball Subs with Marinara Sauce

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Hearty Homestyle Meatball Subs! This delicious recipe features juicy meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, all tucked inside crispy sub rolls. Perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, our guide takes you through every step, from mixing the meatballs to broiling the subs for that perfect cheesy finish. Enjoy the warmth of homemade goodness with each flavorful bite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (80% lean)

1/2 pound ground pork

1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 large egg

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

For the Subs:

4 hoagie or sub rolls

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

      - Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix which can result in tough meatballs.

        Shape the Meatballs:

          - Form the mixture into meatballs about the size of golf balls (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

            Bake the Meatballs:

              - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

                - Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked and beautifully browned.

                  Make the Marinara Sauce:

                    - While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

                      - Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

                        - Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

                          Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

                            - Once the meatballs have finished baking, carefully transfer them into the marinara sauce. Allow them to simmer together for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the meatballs absorb all the delicious sauce flavors.

                              Prepare the Subs:

                                - While the meatballs simmer, slice the hoagie or sub rolls lengthwise, ensuring not to cut all the way through—you're creating a hinge.

                                  - Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for a few minutes until they're golden brown and slightly crisp.

                                    Assemble the Meatball Subs:

                                      - Generously spoon marinara sauce and meatballs into each toasted roll, ensuring plenty of sauce is included.

                                        - Top the meatballs with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

                                          Melt the Cheese:

                                            - Return the assembled subs to the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

                                              Serve:

                                                - Once out of the oven, garnish the subs with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and hearty meal!

                                                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                                                    - Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, serve the subs on a wooden board or in individual parchment paper wraps, accompanied by a small dish of extra marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the delightful aroma and heartwarming flavors of your homemade meatball subs!