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+ servings

Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches with Homemade Tomato Sauce

Juicy homemade meatballs made with a blend of beefand pork, seasoned with Italian herbs, and baked to perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound 454g ground beef
  • 1 pound 454g ground pork
  • 3 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 3 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup 100g parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup 171ml water

For the Sauce:

  • cup 76ml olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes with basil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped

For the Subs:

  • 8 crusty sub rolls cut in half
  • 8 ounces provolone cheese shredded
  • 6 ounces fontina cheese shredded
  • 2 ounces parmesan cheese finely grated
  • Fresh basil torn (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

  • Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, eggs, parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined. Slowly add the water and mix until the meat mixture is moist and holds together.
  • Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs (about 1 ½ inches in diameter). You should have around 24-30 meatballs depending on size.
  • Cook the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the meatballs evenly on the sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are beautifully browned and cooked all the way through.

Prepare the Sauce:

  • Sauté the Garlic: In a spacious saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Make the Tomato Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, granulated sugar, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and adjust the seasoning to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes.

Assemble the Subs:

  • Prepare the Rolls: Preheat the broiler on your oven. Cut the sub rolls in half and lightly toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Layer the Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce on the bottom half of each toasted sub roll. Add 3-4 meatballs on top of the sauce. Spoon a little more sauce over the meatballs. Top each sub with shredded provolone, fontina, and parmesan cheese.
  • Melt the Cheese: Place the subs under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish and Serve: Garnish with torn fresh basil if desired, and serve your meatball subs hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcal
Keyword homemade meatball sandwich
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