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Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Meatball Sub Recipe Easy Homemade Marinara Delight

cheesy stuffed meatball sub - featured image
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A hearty and comforting sub sandwich featuring juicy, cheese-stuffed meatballs smothered in homemade marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella in a toasted sub roll.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1/2 cup or 120g) for stuffing
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • Butter or olive oil for toasting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  3. Form the stuffed meatballs by flattening about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture in your palm, placing a small cube of mozzarella in the center, then folding the meat around it and shaping into a ball about 1 1/2 inches diameter. Repeat until all mixture is used (about 16 meatballs).
  4. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and golden. Optional: broil for 2 minutes for extra browning.
  5. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Slice sub rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge. Optionally brush with butter or olive oil and toast until golden and crisp.
  7. Assemble subs by spooning warm marinara inside each roll, placing 4 stuffed meatballs per sub, then sprinkling shredded mozzarella on top. Return to oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Serve immediately, letting subs rest for a minute or two so cheese sets slightly. Serve with extra marinara for dipping.

Notes

Do not overmix meat to avoid tough meatballs. Seal cheese well inside meatballs to prevent leaks. Use a thermometer to check internal temperature (160°F). Toast rolls lightly to prevent sogginess. Meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in sauce. Marinara sauce can be made ahead or substituted with high-quality jarred sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sub, stuffed meatballs, cheesy meatballs, homemade marinara, sub sandwich, comfort food, easy dinner, mozzarella stuffed meatballs

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/ultimate-cheesy-stuffed-meatball-sub-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara-delight/