Description
These Mini Meatball Subs are a delightful and easy-to-make sandwich perfect for parties, family dinners, or game day. Juicy homemade meatballs baked to perfection are simmered in marinara sauce, nestled into soft mini sub rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
For Assembling the Subs
- 12 mini sub rolls or slider buns
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, fresh parsley if using, and milk. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside, ensuring they are juicy and flavorful.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. When the meatballs finish baking, transfer them to the saucepan and gently toss to coat them thoroughly in the sauce.
- Assemble the mini subs: Slice each mini sub roll or slider bun in half, but not all the way through, to create a hinge. If desired, toast the buns in the oven for 2-3 minutes to add a light crispiness.
- Build the subs: Place 2-3 sauced meatballs inside each sub roll. Spoon some additional marinara sauce over the meatballs, then top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Serve: Remove the mini meatball subs from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs if preferred.
- Do not overmix meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- To save time, use pre-made marinara sauce or homemade.
- These subs can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking the cheese topping.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor but is optional.
- Mini subs can be substituted with slider buns or small dinner rolls.
