Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crafted meatball sandwich, where juicy, flavor-packed meatballs nestled in a soft hoagie roll are smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italian-American comfort food. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these meatball sandwiches are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Using your hands or a spoon, mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat 2 cups of marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it is warmed through. You can add additional herbs or spices to the sauce if desired.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the warmed marinara sauce and let them simmer for about 5 minutes to absorb some of the sauce flavor.
- While the meatballs are simmering, slice the 4 hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and fill each roll with the meatballs and marinara sauce mixture, ensuring each roll gets a generous portion.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the filled hoagie rolls.
- Place the baking sheet with the assembled sandwiches in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious meatball sandwiches!
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: Don't overmix your meatball ingredients. Gently combine them to keep the texture light and tender.
- Size Matters: Keep your meatballs uniform in size (1-
- 5 inches) to ensure even cooking.
- Cheese Upgrade: For extra flavor, try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Bread Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality hoagie rolls that can hold up to the sauce without getting soggy.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for quick future meals.
- Sauce Tip: Let the meatballs simmer in the marinara sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Crispy Finish: For a crispy roll, lightly toast the hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
