Picture sinking your teeth into a warm, crusty hoagie roll filled with tender, savory meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
This meatball sandwich isn’t only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, offering a comforting, indulgent meal that’s loved by many.
As you mix, bake, and assemble, watch how simple ingredients transform into a delightful masterpiece.
Ready to create something special? Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 skillet
- 1 saucepan
- 1 spatula
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the meatball sandwiches, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe:
- Time Needed: 5 minutes
- Activity: Carefully read through the entire recipe and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Work:
- Time Needed: 15 minutes
- Activity:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and form the mixture into meatballs.
- Prepare the baking sheet and skillet, and have the olive oil ready for use.
- Baking the Meatballs:
- Time Needed: 20 minutes
- Activity:
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat.
- Browning the Meatballs & Heating the Sauce:
- Time Needed: 5 minutes
- Activity:
- Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet to brown on all sides.
- Simultaneously, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
- Simmering & Assembling the Sandwiches:
- Time Needed: 5 minutes
- Activity:
- Add the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer.
- Slice the hoagie rolls and prepare them for assembly.
- Place the meatballs inside the hoagie rolls and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Final Cooking & Resting:
- Time Needed: 10 minutes (5 minutes in the oven, 5 minutes resting)
- Activity:
- Place the sandwiches in the oven to melt the cheese.
- Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before serving.
Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and form the mixture into meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet to brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over low heat.
Add the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Slice the hoagie rolls and place the meatballs inside.
Top each sandwich with mozzarella cheese.
Place the sandwiches in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Side Salad: A fresh and crisp side salad pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the meatball sandwich, providing a rejuvenating contrast.
- Crispy Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a crowd-pleaser and make for a satisfying side to complement your sandwich.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Enhance the Italian theme with warm, buttery garlic breadsticks to soak up any extra marinara sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables adds a healthy and colorful touch to your meal, balancing the heartiness of the meatballs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a crunchy texture and a zesty flavor that complements the savory meatballs effectively.
Storage
To store leftover meatball sandwiches, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven to retain texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze meatball sandwiches, wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Reheating
To reheat a meatball sandwich, wrap it in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
This preserves the texture and prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Creating a delicious meatball sandwich is simpler than it seems. With just a few steps, you can enjoy a flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
Remember to handle the meatballs gently when forming them to maintain a tender texture.
Baking the meatballs initially helps them hold their shape, while browning them in the skillet adds a delightful crust.
Don’t forget to simmer them in marinara sauce for a rich flavor.
A little resting time after baking guarantees the sandwiches are perfectly prepared for serving.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your culinary creation with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Another Type of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Use equal amounts for the substitution. Make certain the meat is well-seasoned. Adjust cooking time slightly as poultry cooks faster than beef. Enjoy your variation!
What Is the Best Way to Keep Meatballs Juicy?
Mix ground meat with 1/4 cup milk, ensuring even moisture. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to enhance flavor. Avoid over-mixing. Use a gentle touch, forming them lightly. Cook in a sauce to retain juiciness.
How Can I Make the Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Replace breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Verify all other ingredients, like Parmesan and marinara sauce, are gluten-free certified. Mix thoroughly, form meatballs, and follow the remaining steps for delicious, gluten-free meatballs.
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for This Recipe?
Replace ground beef with 500 grams of cooked lentils and 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms. Mix with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Follow the same cooking steps for delicious vegetarian meatball sandwiches.
Can I Make the Meatballs in Advance and Freeze Them?
You can definitely make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Form the meatballs, arrange on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and cook as directed when ready to use.
Meatball Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet to brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over low heat.
- Add the browned meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slice the hoagie rolls and place the meatballs inside.
- Top each sandwich with mozzarella cheese.
- Place the sandwiches in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
