There’s something about the aroma of meatballs sizzling in marinara that can turn any ordinary evening into a delightful feast. Imagine biting into an Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, where the warm, crusty bread embraces juicy meatballs, drenched in rich tomato sauce with gooey, melted cheese. Who wouldn’t want to dive into that symphony of flavors?
Remember those weeknights when you had just enough energy to make toast? Well, toss that idea out the window! The Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is here to save dinner and bring joy back to your table. Whether it’s a casual Friday night or an impromptu gathering with friends, this dish is your go-to for satisfying hunger and delighting taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Its savory flavor profile features tender meatballs swimming in zesty marinara sauce.
- Visually appealing with melted cheese oozing from crispy bread, it’s a feast for the eyes as well.
- Versatile enough to adapt with different toppings or sides, it suits any palate perfectly.
Ingredients for Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess fat; ground turkey or chicken can be alternatives.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to add extra flavor; panko can also work for added crunch.
- Eggs: One large egg is perfect for binding the meat mixture together and keeping those meatballs nice and moist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty kick; never underestimate the power of cheese!
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; this will be the star of your sub.
- Sub Rolls: Soft but sturdy rolls are essential; look for ones that won’t disintegrate under all that saucy goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully on top; feel free to load it up—there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
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: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined—don’t overwork it unless you want tough meatballs!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter). You should get around 12–15 depending on how big your hands are feeling that day.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour your favorite marinara sauce over those beautiful browned meatballs. Reduce heat and let them simmer gently for about another 10 minutes until they’re cooked through and flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble Your Subs
Preheat your oven broiler while you prepare your subs. Place sub rolls on a baking sheet, scoop some marinara-covered meatballs onto each roll, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Broil Until Golden
Pop those cheesy masterpieces under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown—watch them closely because nobody likes burnt cheese unless you’re going for that charred aesthetic.
Transfer to plates and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping because let’s face it: no one likes dry bread! Enjoy your Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs; they’re bound to become a weekly tradition!
You Must Know
- This easy weeknight meatball sub recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes dinner a delightful experience.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have.
- The warm, cheesy aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone’s mouth water.
- Perfect for busy nights but versatile enough for any occasion.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the meatballs. Form them while the sauce simmers on the stove. Bake the meatballs to perfection, then assemble everything in toasted rolls with melty cheese. Simultaneously manage tasks to ensure everything is hot and ready!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you’re feeling adventurous! Add some crushed red pepper for a kick or toss in sautéed bell peppers for extra crunch. Top it with different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella to personalize your subs!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for moisture, or heat gently on the stovetop with a splash of sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use leaner ground meats so that your meatballs don’t become greasy while baking.
- Make sure to season your meat mixture well; seasoning enhances flavor immensely.
- Allow your assembled subs to sit briefly before serving for optimal flavor melding.
Sometimes, I whip up these easy weeknight meatball subs when friends come over, and they rave about how comforting they are—like a warm hug on a plate! It always brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and cheesy goodness!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub?
To make Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, gather the following ingredients: ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, and Italian seasoning. For the sauce, you will need marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce. Don’t forget the sub rolls and optional toppings like mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. This simple ingredient list makes it easy to prepare a delicious meal that will please everyone at the table.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub?
Preparing Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is quick and straightforward. In total, you can expect about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes making the meatballs, cooking them in sauce, and assembling the subs. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-made meatballs or marinara sauce to speed up the process even more. With this efficient recipe, you can enjoy a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I customize my Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is its versatility. You can swap out ground meats for chicken or even plant-based options like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Additionally, feel free to add your favorite toppings such as sautéed peppers or spicy jalapeños. Experimenting with different sauces or cheeses can also bring new flavors to this classic dish.
What sides pair well with Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub?
When serving Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub, consider pairing it with simple sides that complement the flavors. A side salad with fresh greens adds a refreshing touch alongside crispy baked fries or potato wedges for a hearty meal. For something lighter, steamed vegetables or a fruit salad are excellent choices that balance out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
Conclusion for Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub :
In summary, Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy evenings. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create flavorful meatball subs that everyone will love. Customization options allow you to cater to different tastes while pairing this dish with delightful sides enhances your dining experience. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this recipe guarantees a delicious and enjoyable mealtime.
Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
Transform your busy evenings into a culinary delight with this quick and satisfying recipe. Picture juicy meatballs drenched in zesty marinara sauce, nestled in warm sub rolls, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these customizable meatball subs are destined to become a weekly favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls (6-inch)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (12–15 total).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; brown the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven broiler. Place sub rolls on a baking sheet, fill with meatballs and sauce, top with mozzarella cheese.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub (245g)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. - Customize your subs with sautéed bell peppers or spicy jalapeños. - Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the microwave or stovetop with extra sauce.
