Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Cheesy Basil Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 62 reviews

These Cheesy Basil Turkey Meatball Subs feature tender turkey meatballs blended with fresh basil, ricotta, and parmesan, simmered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and served in toasted sub rolls. A comforting and flavorful sandwich perfect for a hearty family meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for browning

Sauce and Topping

  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
  • Crushed red pepper, for serving (optional)

Serving

  • Sub rolls, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs with sauce and finishing the sandwiches.
  2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, breadcrumbs, dried basil, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  3. Brown the meatballs: Heat a small amount of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or pan over medium heat. Form the mixture into meatballs and add them to the pan. Brown them evenly on all sides for about 10 minutes, rolling and flipping carefully with a spoon to keep them intact.
  4. Add marinara and cheese, then bake: Once browned, pour the marinara sauce into the pan covering the meatballs and scatter torn fresh mozzarella pieces on top. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts and meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with additional fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Assemble the subs: Keep the oven on at 400°F. Place sub rolls on a baking sheet, spoon meatballs and cheese from the pan into each roll. Place the assembled sandwiches on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 5 minutes to toast the buns slightly.
  7. Serve: Remove the subs from the oven, top with extra fresh basil, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness.
  • Use an oven-safe pan for browning and baking to avoid transferring meatballs, which reduces mess and breakage.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor—reserve some for garnish to enhance presentation and taste.
  • Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, shredded mozzarella can be substituted but fresh offers creamier texture and melt.
  • Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs; panko or traditional breadcrumbs work fine.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/cheesy-basil-turkey-meatball-subs-recipe/