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Meatball Sub

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Servings: 4
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Soft meatballs, melted provolone, and garlic bread that does the heavy lifting. If you've ever ordered a meatball sub from a sandwich shop and been disappointed by the rubbery, flavorless balls they s
Mike

Ingredients  

For the meatballs (makes about 15)
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For assembly
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
  • 4 hoagie rolls
  • 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 slices provolone cheese

Method
 

Step 1: Make the meatballs
  1. Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl. Let it soak for 5 minutes — you want the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk completely. In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don't overwork it — same rule as meatloaf and burger patties.
  2. Roll into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 15 total. You can either bake them on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 20 minutes, or brown them in a skillet with olive oil for about 3 minutes per side. Baking is easier for big batches. Skillet gives you better browning and a crustier exterior.
Step 2: Simmer in marinara
  1. Heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan. Add the meatballs, reduce heat to low, and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes. The meatballs absorb some of the sauce flavor, and the sauce picks up some of the meat juices. Both get better.
Step 3: Prep the rolls
  1. Mix the softened butter with garlic powder. Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise and spread the garlic butter on the inside. Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden and toasty. Watch them closely — they go from perfect to burnt fast.
Step 4: Assemble
  1. Place provolone slices on the toasted rolls. Add 3-4 meatballs per sub, spoon marinara over the top, and return to the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.