The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, mingling with the savory scent of perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in a soft, toasted sub. This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is not just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and brings back fond memories of family dinners and laughter-filled evenings. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy sandwich that practically sings with flavor—yes, please!
Picture this: It’s a chaotic Tuesday evening, and you’ve just realized you forgot to defrost the chicken. No worries! With this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, you can whip up dinner faster than your kids can argue over who gets the last bite. Gather around the dinner table or huddle on the couch for a Netflix binge; this sandwich is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be counting down to “meatball night” every week!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy weeknight meatball sub allows for quick preparation while delivering a burst of flavors that everyone will love.
- You can customize the toppings based on your family’s preferences or what’s in your fridge.
- The visual appeal of gooey cheese and vibrant sauce will make it a hit at any dinner table.
- Perfectly versatile, it works well as a cozy family meal or as game-day snacks.
Ingredients for Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for juiciness without excess grease; about 1 pound should do.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: These add texture and flavor to the meatballs; feel free to substitute with panko if desired.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth to your meatballs—don’t skimp on this!
- Egg: One large egg acts as a binder to hold your meatballs together—no one likes crumbling subs!
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; if you have fresh garlic lying around, use it instead!
For the Sauce:
- Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this classic tomato sauce will bring everything together beautifully.
For Serving:
- Sub Rolls: Look for fresh rolls that can hold all the goodness without falling apart—crusty outside, soft inside is ideal.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for that melty goodness that pulls apart in glorious strings.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Your Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands (it’s messy but oddly satisfying) and mix until just combined.
Step 3: Form Those Meatballs
Roll the mixture into meatballs about one inch in diameter—think golf balls but less pressure! Place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The kitchen should smell divine by now!
Step 5: Heat Up the Sauce
While your meatballs bake away in their glory, heat up marinara sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra pop of flavor!
Step 6: Assemble Your Subs
Slice open each sub roll and layer on some marinara sauce first (this helps prevent sogginess). Add several meatballs next and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place assembled subs back into the oven until the cheese melts—about five minutes should do.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with more marinara sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite of your Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub while reminiscing about those chaotic yet hilarious family dinners!
You Must Know
- This easy weeknight meatball sub combines tender meatballs, rich sauce, and gooey cheese in a soft roll.
- Perfect for busy evenings, this dish transforms leftovers into a hearty meal that everyone will love.
- It’s simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the meatball ingredients. Form the meatballs and bake them until golden. Meanwhile, simmer your sauce on the stove. Once the meatballs are done, combine everything in a roll for the ultimate easy weeknight meatball sub experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add Italian herbs or even some chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can also toss in sautéed peppers or onions for extra flavor!
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them up in the oven until heated through, ensuring that bread stays crispy!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate your easy weeknight meatball sub’s flavor profile.
- Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it adds depth to the taste!
- Lastly, let your sauce simmer longer for richer flavors that will impress everyone at dinner.
Sharing this recipe reminds me of a hilarious family dinner where my cousin attempted to add pineapple to his meatball sub—let’s just say it wasn’t a hit! But it made for great laughs and an unforgettable evening together around the table.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub?
For an Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, you will need ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. For the sub itself, get fresh hoagie rolls or baguettes and your choice of cheese. Optional toppings include sliced peppers or fresh basil for added flavor.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub?
Preparing Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub takes about 15 minutes for mixing and forming the meatballs. Cooking them will take around 20 minutes. If you include time for making or warming the marinara sauce, the total time is roughly 35-40 minutes. This makes it perfect for a quick dinner option.
Can I make Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Alternatively, you can cook them in advance and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, simply reheat the meatballs in marinara sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What sides pair well with Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub?
Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crispy potato wedges. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed veggies or a refreshing coleslaw. If you prefer a classic touch, garlic bread is also a great accompaniment that complements the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion for Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub :
In summary, the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is a delicious and quick meal that anyone can enjoy. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Not only does this recipe deliver comfort food at its best, but it also allows for personalization with various toppings and sides. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these meatball subs are sure to please everyone at the table!
Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
Savor the delightful taste of this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, where juicy meatballs made from lean ground beef meet crusty sub rolls, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for hectic evenings, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Gather around the table for a comforting meal that promises to bring everyone together, making “meatball night” a highly-anticipated weekly tradition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 4 crusty sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Form the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Slice each sub roll open and layer with marinara sauce, meatballs, and mozzarella cheese. Return to oven for about five minutes until cheese melts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball sub (200g)
- Calories: 471
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 936mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
Keywords: - Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. - Add sautéed peppers or onions for extra flavor. - Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
