Name: Italian Meatball Subs
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: . Meatballs; 1/2 cup saltine crackers (crushed); 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth; 2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes; 1 large egg (lightly beaten); 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); . Sandwiches; 5 hoagies or sub rolls; 10 slices Provolone cheese (or mozzarella); . Sauce; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Welcome to the delicious world of Italian Meatball Subs! This hearty sandwich is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. Let’s dive into the delightful details!

The Meatballs

This part’s so satisfying — mixing the meat and spices creates a mouthwatering aroma!

Assembly Time

Layering the cheese and meatballs is where the magic happens. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Ingredients

Instructions

Meatballs:
Step 1

- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl combine all of the meatball ingredients together EXCEPT for the meat; saltines, beef broth, parley, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, crushed red pepper. Stir and rest for 10 minutes so the crackers can soak up the liquid. Add the meat and mix just until combined (don't over mix).
Step 2

- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet, or line with aluminum foil.
Step 3

- Form Meatballs: Form 15 meatballs, about the size of golf balls, and gently sprinkle them all around with flour. Place the meatballs one inch apart on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Sauce:
Step 4

- Prepare Sauce: Add sauce ingredients to a saucepan and stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. When the meatballs are finished baking, transfer them to the sauce.
Assembly:
Step 5

- Assemble Subs: Slice the hoagie rolls in half and layer each with 2 slices cheese. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes or until rolls are toasted and cheese is melted. Remove from oven. Place 3 meatballs on each sub, followed by a large spoonful of sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Protein: 25g

Cooking techniques

To enhance the flavor of the meatballs, ensure not to over-mix when adding the ground meat, as this can make them tough. Browning the meatballs before adding to the sauce will also add depth to the dish.

Variations or substitutions

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative. You can use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, to suit your taste!

Storage tips

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute the saltine crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free rolls!