Title: How to Make a Classic Meatball Sub for a Hearty Lunch
Hey there! Are you craving something delicious, filling, and a bit indulgent for lunch? Look no further! Today, I’m going to walk you through the steps to make the classic meatball sub. It’s the perfect sandwich for a hearty lunch, combining juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all tucked into a toasty sub roll. And the best part? It’s simpler to make than you might think! Let’s get cooking.
Ingredients:
To start, you’ll need the following ingredients. This will make about 4 subs, perfect for a small gathering or for leftovers (because who doesn’t love leftover meatball subs?).
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step 1: Prepping the Meatballs
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps make your meatballs tender. Next, add the egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Mix everything gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Form the mixture into balls, aiming for about 1 and a half inches in diameter. You should end up with around 16 meatballs.
Step 2: Cooking the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re browned all over. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point since they will continue cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Baking with Marinara Sauce
Transfer the browned meatballs into a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are nicely covered. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Step 4: Assembling Your Sub
While the meatballs are baking, let’s get the sub rolls ready. Cut the rolls open and remove some of the bread from the inside to make room for the meatballs. If you like your bread crispy, you can toast the rolls in the oven for a few minutes.
Once the meatballs are baked, it’s time to assemble. Place an equal number of meatballs in each sub roll. Spoon some of the marinara sauce from the baking dish over the meatballs. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
Step 5: Melting the Cheese
To melt the cheese and toast the subs, place them on a baking tray and put them back into the oven. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent the bread from burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your meatball subs are now ready to enjoy! Serve them hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and maybe a little more dried oregano on top. A simple side salad or some chips can complete this hearty lunch.
Conclusion:
Making a classic meatball sub at home is easier than you might’ve thought, right? With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that beats any fast-food option out there. This recipe is not only perfect for a hearty lunch but it also makes a great dinner option for any day of the week. Plus, it’s super customizable – you can swap out the beef for turkey or chicken, choose your favorite cheese, or add in some veggies like sliced bell peppers or onions.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own and experiment with different flavors. The key is to enjoy the cooking process and the delicious meal you’ve created. Bon appétit!
