Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with these mouthwatering Easy Square Meatballs in Italian Meatball Hoagies! Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly baked, juicy square meatballs nestled in a warm, toasted hoagie roll, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with fresh basil. This delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite is not only simple to prepare but also promises to impress your family and friends. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be serving up a scrumptious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure—let's dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the meat mixture into square-shaped patties, approximately 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. This unique shape will help them cook evenly and fit perfectly in hoagie rolls.
- Place the square meatball patties on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through.
- While meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise and lightly toast them in the oven during the last 2-3 minutes of meatball cooking for added crispness.
- Remove meatballs from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Place a square meatball in each hoagie roll, generously spoon warm marinara sauce over the meatball, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so keep it gentle for that tender texture.
- Square Shape Advantage: The square shape of the meatballs not only adds a unique touch but also ensures even cooking. Plus, they fit perfectly in the hoagie rolls!
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Toast the Rolls: For added texture and flavor, toast the hoagie rolls in the oven during the last few minutes of baking the meatballs. It creates a delightful crunch that complements the soft meatballs.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to jazz up the marinara sauce with additional herbs or spices, such as garlic powder or red pepper flakes, to suit your taste preferences.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor of the dish. Don’t skip this step for that authentic Italian flair!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
