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Meatball Subs with Cheese and Garlic Butter

Meatball Subs with Cheese and Garlic Butter
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These Meatball Subs with Cheese and Garlic Butter combine juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled in garlic butter-coated sub rolls with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, delivering a warm, savory sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a comforting and customizable meal with crispy toasted bread and a rich, cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 4 soft sub rolls
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to maintain tender meatballs. Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish, pour marinara sauce over them, cover, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter: While meatballs bake, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in crushed garlic and a pinch of salt carefully, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn. Remove from heat once fragrant.
  4. Assemble and Toast the Subs: Slice each sub roll in half. Brush the inside and outside of the rolls generously with the prepared garlic butter. Layer hot meatballs topped with marinara inside the rolls, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the subs from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use an ice cream scoop to portion meatballs evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Cook garlic gently in butter to avoid bitterness and burning.
  • Include egg and breadcrumbs in meatballs to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese melts best; avoid pre-shredded varieties that lack moisture.
  • Use high-quality or homemade marinara sauce for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball subs, garlic butter, melted cheese, sandwich, easy dinner, Italian-American, comfort food, quick recipe

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/meatball-subs-with-cheese-and-garlic-butter/