Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these irresistible Mini Italian Meatball Subs! Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs nestled in a warm sub roll, smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. These crowd-pleasing subs are not just a meal – they're a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a game day party, looking for a quick family dinner, or craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, these Mini Italian Meatball Subs are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. This should yield about 20-24 mini meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and browning.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- While meatballs are cooking, slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut completely through.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the marinara sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the warm marinara sauce and gently coat each meatball.
- Place 4-5 meatballs in each sub roll, then top generously with additional marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs in each sub.
- Return the assembled subs to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice each sub in half for easier serving.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: Use your hands to mix the meatball ingredients – this ensures even distribution of seasonings and prevents overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough.
- Size Matters: Keep meatballs uniform in size (about 1-inch diameter) to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing.
- Prevent Sticking: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and to prevent meatballs from sticking.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For extra-melty cheese, cover the subs with foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to create a perfect, gooey cheese topping.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Simply thaw and reheat in the marinara sauce when ready to serve.
- Bread Selection: Choose sturdy sub rolls that can hold up to the sauce and meatballs without getting soggy.Pro Tip: Let the subs rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth – though we know how hard it will be to wait!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
