Let’s talk about ground beef. It’s a staple in so many kitchens for a good reason. It’s affordable, versatile, and the foundation for countless comfort food classics. But sometimes, we get stuck in a rut, right? Tacos, spaghetti, burgers, repeat. If you’re looking for fresh Ground Beef Recipes that break the routine, you have come to the right place.
Get ready to add a new favorite to your meal rotation. We are making sensational homemade meatball subs. This isn’t just another sandwich. It’s a full meal packed with flavor, and it’s one of those amazing Easy Meals With Ground Beef that tastes like you spent hours on it. You will be so happy you tried it.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, who doesn’t love a good meatball sub? It’s the kind of food that brings a smile to everyone’s face. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese on perfectly toasted bread is just heavenly. It’s pure comfort in every single bite.
This is also one of the best Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes you can find. The steps are simple and straightforward, making it a great option for beginner cooks. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients. Everything you need is likely available at your local grocery store.
What’s more, this recipe is customizable. You can make the meatballs bigger or smaller. You can add a little spice if you like. It’s a fantastic base recipe that you can tweak to make your own. It is one of those flexible Ground Beef Recipes that works for everyone.
It’s also a wonderful choice for feeding a family or a group of friends. It feels special enough for a weekend get together but is simple enough for a weeknight meal. It’s a real crowd pleaser that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. It’s a go to when you need reliable Lazy Dinners.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these delicious meatball subs. Using fresh, quality ingredients will make a big difference in the final taste, especially the parmesan cheese!
- 1 1/2 lbs. Ground Beef (80/20 is great for juicy meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 large Egg
- 3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 3/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley (diced)
- 24-32 ounces Marinara Sauce (your favorite jarred sauce or homemade)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 4 Sliced French Bread or Sub Rolls
- Butter
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best meatball subs ever? Follow these simple steps. This is truly one of the most satisfying Ground Beef Recipes you can make at home.
Step 1: Mix The Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, egg, panko bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan, and diced parsley. The best tool for this job? Your hands! Gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Brown The Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into large balls. The size is up to you, but about the size of a golf ball works well. Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning them once to get a nice brown crust on both sides. They don’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point.
Step 3: Simmer In Sauce
While the meatballs are browning, get your marinara sauce simmering in a large pot or dutch oven. You can use your favorite jarred sauce to make this one of those super Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes. Once the meatballs are browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer them from the skillet into the simmering sauce. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let them gently cook for about 20 minutes. This makes them tender and lets them soak up all that delicious sauce flavor.
Step 4: Toast The Bread
Turn your oven’s broiler on. Slice your sub rolls in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want to create a hinge. Spread a layer of butter on the inside of each roll. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler. Watch them very carefully! They can go from golden to burnt in just a few seconds. Once the butter is melted and the bread is lightly toasted, pull them out.
Step 5: Assemble And Melt
Now for the fun part. Spoon a few meatballs and a generous amount of sauce into each toasted roll. Top them with a big handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the assembled subs back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven under the broiler. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This is the final touch for these fantastic Easy Meals With Ground Beef.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy
Garnish your subs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness. For a little extra kick, you could also add some marinated Italian peppers. Serve them immediately with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. Get ready for some happy eaters!
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem. It’s best to store the components separately to prevent soggy bread. Let the meatballs and sauce cool down completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. You can also freeze the meatballs in sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the meatballs and assemble a fresh sub.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your meatball sub experience even better.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the meatballs, mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough meatballs instead of light and tender ones.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using 80/20 ground beef gives you the right amount of fat for juicy meatballs. Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and has much more flavor than the pre shredded kind.
- Batch Cook: This is one of those great Ground Beef Recipes for batch cooking. Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for a future meal. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
- Watch The Broiler: I can’t say this enough. The broiler is very powerful. Stand by the oven and watch your bread and your final subs closely to prevent them from burning.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A truly wonderful meatball sub that stands out among other Ground Beef Recipes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and brings a little bit of joy to the dinner table. It is proof that simple, homemade meals can be incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for new Lazy Dinners or a fun weekend project, this recipe is a clear winner. So give it a try. I promise you and your family will absolutely love it. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Ground Meat?
Yes, you certainly can. This is one of the very flexible Ground Beef Recipes. You could use a mix of ground pork and beef for extra flavor, or even ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be aware that leaner meats may result in slightly drier meatballs.
Can I Make The Meatballs Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. You can also cook them completely in the sauce and then just reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the subs. This makes it one of the most convenient Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes.
What Kind Of Bread Is Best For These Subs?
A sturdy roll is your best friend here. French bread, hoagie rolls, or sub rolls that have a slightly crusty exterior and a soft interior work very well. They can hold up to the sauce and meatballs without getting too soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten free. Simply substitute the panko bread crumbs with a gluten free variety and serve the meatballs and sauce on your favorite gluten free bread or rolls. It’s a great option for Easy Meals With Ground Beef that caters to different dietary needs.
Homemade Meatball Subs
Discover how to make comforting homemade meatball subs. This recipe features juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in rich marinara, topped with gooey melted cheese, all served on toasted bread. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any night.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, egg, panko bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan, and diced parsley. Gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
- Roll the meat mixture into large balls (about golf ball size). Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, to brown on both sides. They don’t need to be cooked through.
- While meatballs brown, simmer your favorite marinara sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven. Transfer browned meatballs to the simmering sauce using a slotted spoon. Turn heat to low, cover, and cook gently for about 20 minutes until tender and flavorful.
- Turn on your oven’s broiler. Slice sub rolls in half lengthwise (not all the way through, create a hinge). Spread butter on the inside of each roll. Place on a baking sheet and broil carefully until lightly toasted and butter is melted.
- Spoon meatballs and a generous amount of sauce into each toasted roll. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return assembled subs to the baking sheet and broil for about 2 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Optionally, add marinated Italian peppers. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Don’t Overmix: When making the meatballs, mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough meatballs instead of light and tender ones.
Use Quality Ingredients: Using 80/20 ground beef gives you the right amount of fat for juicy meatballs. Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and has much more flavor than the pre shredded kind.
Batch Cook: This recipe is great for batch cooking. Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for a future meal. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
Watch The Broiler: The broiler is very powerful. Stand by the oven and watch your bread and your final subs closely to prevent them from burning.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
