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There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty meatball sub, and when it comes to Melt-in-Your-Mouth Italian Meatball Subs, this dish takes comfort food to a whole new level. With its rich flavors, savory aromas, and satisfying textures, this recipe has become a beloved favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual gathering with friends, the allure of a homemade meatball sub is hard to resist.

Italian Meatball Subs with Mozzarella

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Melt-in-Your-Mouth Italian Meatball Subs. This delicious recipe combines tender meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a perfectly toasted sub roll. Ideal for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers, these subs not only offer rich flavors but also a warm, nostalgic experience that brings friends and family together. Easy to make, they are sure to impress everyone at your table. Dive into this culinary adventure today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

4 sub rolls (preferably crusty)

8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the subs.

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients using your hands or a spatula until just combined, ensuring not to over-mix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

      Shape the Meatballs: With clean hands, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a meatball, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter.

        Cook the Meatballs: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they have enough space to brown. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set aside on a plate.

          Simmer the Meatballs in Marinara: In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the sauce is simmering, carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, making sure they are well-coated in sauce. Cover the skillet and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

            Prepare the Sub Rolls: While the meatballs are simmering, arrange the sub rolls on a baking tray. Slice each roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil inside each roll to enhance flavor and help with crisping.

              Assemble the Subs: Using tongs, carefully place 3 meatballs into each sub roll. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are generously covered. Top each sub with 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.

                Bake the Subs: Transfer the assembled subs to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.

                  Serve and Enjoy: Remove the subs from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve the delicious Italian meatball subs warm and enjoy the burst of flavors!

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4