Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
- ⅓ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Sauce and Assembly
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 6 hoagie rolls, sliced
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or salted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground Italian sausage, chopped parsley, minced garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix all ingredients gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure even cooking. Set aside on a tray or plate.
- Cook the Meatballs: Brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil or butter until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and texture.
- Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Add the jar of marinara sauce to the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
- Prepare the Hoagie Rolls: Meanwhile, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this garlic mixture inside the rolls for flavor.
- Toast the Rolls: Place the brush-garliced rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until lightly crispy but still soft inside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon several meatballs with sauce into each toasted hoagie roll. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs in each sandwich.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven for 5 minutes or until the mozzarella has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove sandwiches from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty homemade meatball sub sandwiches.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs but can be substituted with crushed crackers if preferred.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- To save time, meatballs can be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of pan browning and simmering.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture but adjust slicing and melting times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
