homemade meatball sandwich recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade meatball sandwich recipe

I’ve been making homemade meatball sandwiches for my family for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. The combination of juicy meatballs, soft buns, and melted mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven.

My kids love helping me make the meatballs from scratch, and it’s a great way to teach them about the importance of using fresh ingredients and following a recipe. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – we can make it for a quick weeknight dinner, or for a special occasion like a birthday party or holiday gathering.

Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other Italian-American dishes, since we use lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables in the meatballs. I’ve also found that this recipe freezes well, so I can make a big batch and store it in the freezer for future meals.

Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or looking for a new twist on an old favorite, this homemade meatball sandwich recipe is sure to please. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make – just mix together some ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, shape into balls, and cook until they’re nice and browned. Serve on a sub roll with some marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a king (or queen).

Homemade Meatball Sandwich

4.9 from 1024 votes

Juicy homemade meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, served on a toasted bun. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sandwich

4 sub rolls
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
fresh basil leaves (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4Shape the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.
7While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
8In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
9Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
10Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
11Add tomato sauce, water, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
12Stir well to combine.
13Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
14Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
15Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce.
16Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly.
17Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
18While the meatballs are simmering in the sauce, toast the sub rolls in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan until lightly golden and crispy.
19To assemble the sandwiches, place a few meatballs in the sauce onto each toasted sub roll.
20Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
21Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large skillet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a lighter option, use whole wheat buns.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it scales up or down depending on your needs – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something quick for one person.

The leftovers are also incredibly versatile: try reheating them with some extra marinara sauce and serving over pasta or rice; or use them as filling in sub rolls or wraps for an easy lunch on-the-go.

And as always when storing leftovers safely: be sure to label any containers with their contents and date stored clearly before putting them away.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Sandwich

1. What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?

You can use either ground beef or ground pork for this recipe – both work well. If you prefer leaner meatballs, you can also mix in some chopped veggies like onions or bell peppers. Just be sure to cook the meatballs until they’re nice and browned to get the best flavor.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes – you can mix together the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just be sure to cook them as soon as possible after forming them.

3. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

To prevent the meatballs from breaking apart while cooking, be sure to not overmix the mixture when forming them – just shape into balls with your hands gently but firmly.

4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

While store-bought marinara sauce is convenient, I highly recommend making your own – it’s surprisingly easy and tastes so much better than anything you can buy at the store.

5. How do I reheat leftover meatball sandwiches?

To reheat leftover sandwiches, simply place them in a low oven (around 200°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through – or try microwaving individual sandwiches for 20-30 seconds if you prefer.

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