An Italian Deli Meatball Sub is a delicious sandwich featuring hearty, flavorful meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all tucked inside a soft sub roll. Here’s how you can make one at home:
Ingredients:
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- For the sub:
- 4-6 Italian sub rolls
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh), sliced or shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
-
Make the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
-
Prepare the sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, carefully add them to the sauce and let them simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Assemble the subs:
- Slice the sub rolls down the middle, but don’t cut all the way through. Toast them lightly in the oven or on a grill for a bit of crunch.
- Spoon some marinara sauce onto the bottom of each sub roll.
- Add 3-4 meatballs per sub, spooning some extra sauce over the top.
- Layer with mozzarella cheese, either sliced or shredded.
- Place the assembled subs under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Feel free to tweak the ingredients or add extras like roasted peppers, onions, or provolone cheese for more flavor.