Best Italian Meatball Sub Family Approved Sandwich Recipe
These meatball sub sandwiches are packed with tender beef and pork meatballs, smothered in garlicky marinara, topped with gooey provolone and fontina, and broiled to cheesy perfection on toasted sub rolls.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 3 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt plus 1 ½ teaspoons for sauce
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 eggs large
- 1 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes with basil 28 oz each
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning for sauce
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 8 crusty sub rolls cut in half
- 8 ounces provolone cheese shredded
- 6 ounces fontina cheese shredded
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese finely grated for topping
- fresh basil torn for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef and pork with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, eggs, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs. Do not overmix.
- Roll mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute, then add crushed red pepper.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in chopped basil and cook 5 more minutes.
- Once meatballs are done, add to sauce and simmer 5–10 minutes.
- Split sub rolls and lightly toast under broiler.
- Place meatballs into rolls, spoon over sauce, sprinkle cheeses, and broil until bubbly and melted.
- Top with torn basil and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently.