Description
Enjoy a classic Meatball Subs recipe featuring juicy, herb-infused beef meatballs baked to golden perfection, simmered in rich tomato basil sauce, and topped with melted provolone cheese nestled inside warm submarine rolls. This hearty and savory sandwich is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped basil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Sauce and Assembly
- 1 jar (24 ounces) tomato basil sauce
- 4 submarine rolls
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano, chopped basil, beaten egg, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary until evenly mixed.
- Shape meatballs: Form the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch diameter meatballs and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and have a golden-brown exterior.
- Warm tomato sauce: While the meatballs are baking, gently heat the tomato basil sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce: Once baked, transfer the meatballs carefully into the warmed tomato sauce and let them simmer together for about 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Prepare rolls: Slice the submarine rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through to create a pocket for filling.
- Assemble subs: Place several meatballs into each roll and ladle some tomato basil sauce over them.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded provolone cheese on top of the meatballs in each sandwich.
- Melt cheese in oven: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the provolone cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the meatball subs immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce while warming.
- Substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Using fresh basil can enhance the herbaceous aroma in both meatballs and sauce.
- Allow meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier texture before adding to sauce.
- These sandwiches pair well with a side salad or crispy potato fries.
