Are you searching for the perfect recipe that combines ease, flavor, and the love of family dinners? Look no further! These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are not just incredibly cheesy and saucy but also a guaranteed family favorite. Picture this: juicy meatballs layered in a warm, toasty sub and generously slathered with marinara sauce and sparkling cheese. What could be more comforting?
When I first attempted this dish, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. Ideal for busy weeknights, this meal can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it a culinary superhero when life gets hectic. Plus, kids love it! There’s just something magical about the combination of gooey cheese and flavorful meatballs tucked inside a soft roll that has everyone asking for seconds. Why not create a special night in with these mouth-watering subs that everyone will adore? If your family enjoys classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, this recipe may become your new go-to!
What is Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs?
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s in a name?” that’s as playful as ‘Meatball Subs.’ Well, it’s simple! The name originated from the delightful simplicity of the dish itself. You get your meatballs, you get your sauce, you get your bread; it’s that easy! You can almost hear the echoes of family dinners where, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” These subs are completely delectable and perhaps even a secret to winning over picky eaters! So, gather those ingredients on your next grocery run and allow this dish to whisk you away to an epic family feast.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
There are countless reasons why Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs will take the crown in your family’s culinary lineup! First off, the star of the show is undoubtedly the meatballs, bursting with flavorful seasonings and paired with a robust marinara sauce. You can feel the warmth and comfort in every bite.
Making these subs at home is not only a more budget-friendly choice compared to takeout, but it allows you the option to customize every aspect of the meal to your family’s taste, from extra cheese to spicy toppings!
By contrast, if you’ve ever lamented the scarcity of bread in a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish, fear not! These subs give you the excuse to embrace all those wonderful flavors in a delicious hand-held creation. Trust me; once you taste these meatball subs, you’ll surely want to explore more of my recipes for delightful dishes that cater to every taste.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
Quick Overview
Ready to dive into something amazing? These Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs are incredibly simple to prepare; all it takes is about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll find that the balance of flavors—savory, cheesy, and a delectable sauce—just makes the whole experience divine!
Key Ingredients for Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 4 sub rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Warm the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Assemble the Subs: Once the meatballs are ready, place them in the sauce. Lightly toast the sub rolls in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer a crunchy exterior.
- Build Your Subs: Place a few meatballs in each toasted sub roll, drizzle with marinara sauce, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: If you like your cheese bubbly and slightly golden, pop the assembled subs in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let them cool for a moment, then serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping!
What to Serve Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs With
Looking to enhance your meal experience? Consider serving these delightful meatball subs with a crispy green salad seasoned with zesty Italian dressing or homemade French fries for a bit of crunch. For a beverage, you can’t go wrong with a classic lemonade or sparkling water to balance out the richness of the subs. With these simple additions, you’ll create a well-rounded and delicious weeknight meal that the entire family will love!
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
To ensure your meal turns out perfectly, try these helpful tips! For a twist, feel free to substitute ground beef with lean turkey or a plant-based option for a lighter version. Don’t skip on the breadcrumbs; they keep the meatballs moist and give that pleasing texture.
If you’re not a fan of marinara sauce, consider swiping it out for something lighter like a garlic-herb sauce or a spicy arrabbiata. Keeping an eye on the baking time is also essential—not all ovens behave the same! And remember, if the cheese isn’t melting to your liking, a few extra minutes under the broiler will work wonders!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs, don’t fret! You can easily store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep the meatballs and rolls separate to maintain the best texture. When it comes time to reheat, pop the meatballs in the microwave alongside the bread for a quick meal or warm them in a skillet for a few minutes on low heat to bring back the just-cooked taste.
With these quick and easy tips, you are now ready to enjoy Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs whenever the craving strikes! Happy cooking!
Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For assembly
- 1 jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in size.
- Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
Cooking
- While the meatballs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Once the meatballs are ready, place them in the sauce. Lightly toast the sub rolls in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer a crunchy exterior.
- Place a few meatballs in each toasted sub roll, drizzle with marinara sauce, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- If you like your cheese bubbly and slightly golden, pop the assembled subs in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, let them cool for a moment, then serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping!
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