Craving a Subway-style meatball marinara but prefer to enjoy it at home? This recipe captures the essence of that iconic sandwich, bringing together juicy meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all in a soft, toasted sub roll. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a treat, perfect for a cozy night in or a lunch that packs a punch.

Picture this: tender meatballs simmered in a robust marinara sauce, piled high on a toasted sandwich roll, and topped with melty mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food that you can whip up in no time. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or keep it classic—either way, it’s sure to hit the spot.

Preparing the Meatballs

Creating a flavorful base for your meatball marinara sandwich starts with the meatballs themselves. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a blend of Italian herbs to enhance the flavor profile. You can add garlic powder and onion powder for an extra dose of aroma.

After mixing all the ingredients together, form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter. This size is perfect for fitting into your sub rolls while still delivering that delicious, hearty bite.

Cooking the Meatballs

In a skillet over medium heat, add a touch of oil and brown the meatballs evenly on all sides. This step is crucial, as it locks in the juices and flavors, preparing them for the next stage. It typically takes around 5-7 minutes to get that nice golden-brown crust.

Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. This allows you to utilize the same skillet for simmering the marinara sauce, ensuring that all those flavorful bits get incorporated into your dish.

Simmering in Marinara Sauce

Return the meatballs to the skillet and pour in your marinara sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This process not only blends the flavors but also ensures that the meatballs are cooked through and absorb the rich taste of the sauce.

The aroma that fills your kitchen during this simmering phase will tempt anyone to take a bite long before the sandwich is even assembled!

Assembling the Sandwiches

Transforming these delightful meatballs into a sandwich requires a few simple steps. Start by slicing your sub rolls in half and placing them on a baking sheet. Spoon the meatballs along with the marinara sauce into each roll generously. The more sauce, the better!

Top each filled roll with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, creating that gooey texture that complements the meatballs perfectly.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the baking sheet into the oven. Allow the sandwiches to bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure the bread gets just the right amount of crispness without burning.

The visual of bubbling cheese and the scent of freshly baked bread will certainly enhance the anticipation of enjoying this sandwich.

Garnishing and Serving

Once out of the oven, add a finishing touch by garnishing your sandwiches with fresh basil leaves or parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce.

For an appealing presentation, serve a few extra meatballs and marinara sauce on the side. This allows you to showcase the deliciousness while also encouraging everyone to dive in for seconds.

Delicious Meatball Marinara Sandwich Recipe

This homemade meatball marinara sandwich features flavorful meatballs made from ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian herbs, simmered in a savory marinara sauce. The sandwich is then topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese for a delightfully cheesy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Cook the Meatballs: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Simmer in Sauce: In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and return the meatballs to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each roll, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy your homemade meatball marinara sandwiches!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Calories: 600kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g