Beef Meatball Sub
Indulge in the savory delight of homemade beef meatballs, served in a crispy sub roll and smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.





4.2 / 5 (822)
Ingredients
Meatballs
- Ground Beef
500 grams
- Breadcrumbs
100 grams
- Parmesan Cheese
50 grams
- Egg
1 egg
- Olive Oil
a drizzle
Sauce
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes
400 grams
- Tomato Paste
20 grams
- Olive Oil
a drizzle
- Salt
a pinch
- Sugar
a pinch
Assembly
- Sub Rolls
4 units
- Mozzarella Cheese
200 grams
- Fresh Basil
a few leaves
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
To start, preheating the oven ensures it's ready for baking the meatballs. In a large bowl, gently mix all the meatball ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
- 2
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
Shaping the meatballs requires some patience, but it's crucial for their even cooking. Ensure they are all roughly the same size so they cook uniformly. Leaving space between them prevents them from sticking together during baking.
- 3
Drizzle the meatballs with a little olive oil and gently roll them to coat evenly. Then, bake them in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
The olive oil helps prevent the meatballs from drying out in the oven. Rolling them ensures the oil is evenly distributed. Keep an eye on them while they bake; they should be fully cooked and lightly browned on the outside.
- 4
While the meatballs are baking, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until it darkens in color.
Starting the sauce while the meatballs bake saves time and allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Cooking the tomato paste enhances its flavor, but be careful not to burn it.
- 5
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, salt, and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are ready.
Combining all the sauce ingredients and letting it simmer allows the flavors to meld together. The salt and sugar balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a rich and smooth sauce.
- 6
Once the meatballs are done, carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
This step is crucial for infusing the meatballs with the sauce's flavors. It makes them taste more integrated into the dish rather than just being topped with sauce.
- 7
Slice the sub rolls in half and place them in the oven for a few minutes to toast lightly. Then, assemble the subs by placing a few meatballs on each roll, topping with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Toasting the rolls gives them a nicer texture and prevents them from becoming too soggy from the sauce. Assembling the subs is the final step before serving; ensure each component is generously added to make the dish satisfying.
- 8
Place the subs under the broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.
Melting the cheese under the broiler adds a golden, gooey layer to the dish. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note that complements the richness of the meatballs and cheese. Serving immediately ensures everything is at its best temperature and texture.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
436
4
194
3
116
2
39
1
37
Reviews
- TomekZ
I like this recipe, it is not like bigos or pierogi that I know, but beef meatballs in sub roll with marinara sauce is good. I wish I could try with venison or wild boar for more strong taste. I must make change for lactose, maybe use cheese that is lactose free or no cheese at all. Very good for after hunt, when I need something fast and tasty.
- TianyiTech
I just try this Beef Meatball Sub recipe and it's amazing! The meatballs are so juicy and flavorful, just like **Peking duck**, lots of nice flavor in the sauce. But, I need to be careful with the mozzarella cheese because I'm lactose intolerant, maybe I can try substitute with something else next time. I like that the recipe is not too hard to make, the **steps are clear** and easy to follow, even for someone like me who English is second language. The only thing that make me give 4 star instead of 5 star is the cheese, but overall it's a great recipe! I want to try make it again and again, and **share with my friends**.
- CormacOC1995
Oh joy, a recipe that doesn't try to kill me with spice or nuts - a true miracle. The Beef Meatball Sub is a bloody great twist on a classic pub fare, and I'm not just saying that because I've had a few pints of craft beer. The instructions are straightforward, the flavors are spot on, and the lack of nuts is a blessing. I mean, who needs a nut-induced anaphylactic shock when you can have a meatball sub? The only thing that would make this recipe better is if it came with a side of fries and a perfectly balanced IPA. Seriously though, the combination of the juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is pure bliss. So, if you're looking for a pub-style feast that won't break the bank or your allergy-ridden brain, look no further. Just remember, if you're going to serve this, make sure to have a few pints on hand - it's only polite.
- RoP93
I must admit that this Beef Meatball Sub recipe, while detailed and well-structured, doesn't quite align with my personal taste preferences. As a vegetarian, I found the core ingredient of beef meatballs to be a significant drawback. However, the preparation of the marinara sauce and the assembly of the sub rolls seemed thorough and well-explained. The inclusion of melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil was a nice touch, but I'd need to imagine a vegetarian alternative to fully appreciate this dish. Perhaps a similar recipe using a vegetarian patty or meatball substitute could be more to my liking. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, suggesting that this recipe could be a good starting point for experimentation with alternative ingredients.
- ckim2000
OMG, this Beef Meatball Sub recipe is totes amazeballs! I mean, who doesn't love a good meatball sub, right? The combo of the savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is pure perfection. But, TBH, I gotta deduct a star cuz of the dairy - I'm lactose intolerant, so I'd have to sub out the mozzarella for something else. Maybe a dairy-free alternative or some grilled veggies to add flavor instead? Anyway, the recipe itself is pretty straightforward and the steps are easy to follow. The tip about toasting the sub rolls is a game-changer, FWIW. If you're a fellow meat-lover like me, you'll probs love this recipe. Just, you know, be mindful of the dairy if you're lactose intolerant like yours truly.
- Boliveira81
Blimey, this Beef Meatball Sub is a real showstopper, chefe! I mean, the combination of the homemade beef meatballs, the marinara sauce, and the melted mozzarella cheese is just **fiquei maluco**! The fact that it's not drowning in sugar is a big plus for me, you know. I'm trying to keep it healthy, **na moda**, and this recipe seems to balance the flavors without overdosing on the sweets. The only thing that's keeping me from giving it a full 5 stars is that, as a Brazilian, I'm used to a bit more **fogo** in my food, you know? A little more spice, a little more **pimenta**. But overall, it's a **delícia**, and I'd definitely make it again, maybe with a few **toques** of my own, like adding some **picanha** or **linguiça** to the meatballs. **Bom apetite**!
- MariaLaLuna
I'm afraid this recipe for Beef Meatball Subs isn't quite suited to my taste. As a vegetarian, I was disappointed to see that the dish centers around beef meatballs. However, I must say that the recipe itself seems well-explained and easy to follow, which I appreciate. I also noticed that the dish includes mozzarella cheese, which wouldn't work for me due to my lactose intolerance. Perhaps a modified version with vegetarian meatballs and a non-dairy cheese alternative could be more appealing? One thing that did catch my eye was the use of fresh basil - as someone who loves herbalism, I appreciate the addition of herbs to enhance the flavor and medicinal properties of a dish. Overall, while this recipe isn't for me, I think it could be a good starting point for someone looking to create a meatball sub with a Latin American twist - maybe with some arepa-style buns or salsa additions?
- YaraSunshine
Oh my goodness, you guys! 🤩 I just tried this Beef Meatball Sub recipe and it's absolutely delicious 🍴! I mean, who doesn't love a good meatball sub, right? 🤷♀️ The marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese are totally on point 💯. I did have to make a tiny substitution because of my bee allergy (no honey for me, sadly 🐝), but other than that, this recipe is pretty perfect 😊. My only suggestion would be to add some fresh pineapple or mango on top for a fun tropical twist 🎉... but that's just me being a flexitarian foodie 🥗. Overall, I'd totes recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a tasty and satisfying meal 👌!
- Rojen2000
I must admit, the Beef Meatball Sub recipe presented here is straightforward and easy to follow, with each step clearly outlined. However, from a personal standpoint, I find it somewhat lacking due to the presence of gluten in the sub rolls, which doesn't accommodate my dietary needs. The use of traditional Italian ingredients like parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese does bring a familiar flavor profile, but it doesn't particularly excite me as I've been exploring more exotic flavors from Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine lately. The instructions to avoid overmixing the meatballs and to balance the acidity of the tomatoes with salt and sugar are well-noted and demonstrate a good understanding of culinary principles. Nevertheless, I would have appreciated more innovative elements or suggestions for substitutions to cater to different dietary requirements, such as using gluten-free sub rolls. Overall, while this recipe seems well-crafted for those without dietary restrictions, it doesn't particularly resonate with my current gastronomic adventures or my requirement for gluten-free options.
- AkiraM95
I approached this Beef Meatball Sub recipe with some curiosity, given my usual inclination towards Japanese cuisine. However, I was pleased to find the instructions clear and the outcome satisfying. The meatballs were moist and evenly cooked, with the marinara sauce providing a nice complement of flavors. The addition of melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil added a delightful freshness to the dish. My only reservation is that, as someone accustomed to the nuanced flavors of ramen and sushi, the dish felt slightly one-dimensional. Nonetheless, I appreciated the detail-oriented approach of the recipe and the final(result) was quite enjoyable.
- NalaEarth89
As I delicately danced through the steps of this Beef Meatball Sub recipe, my heart sank like a stone in a serene lake, for the beauty of its execution couldn't harmonize with the discord of its ingredients. The symphony of ground beef, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan sang a song of environmental despair, a melancholy tune that echoed the cries of a suffering planet. In a world where compassion and sustainability are the rhythm that guide my culinary endeavors, this recipe struck a discordant note, leaving my taste buds untouched and my conscience unsatisfied.
- RohanM89
As a connoisseur of fine dining with a particular penchant for Italian cuisine, I found this Beef Meatball Sub recipe to be an exemplar of culinary excellence. The instructions are succinct and well-structured, allowing for an efficient use of time. Preparation and cooking times are moderately paced, making this an ideal meal for a productive evening. The lack of shellfish ingredients is also a considerable advantage for someone with my allergies. The integration of high-quality ingredients such as parmesan cheese and fresh basil elevates this dish beyond a conventional, casual meal. Overall, the combination of nuanced flavors and expertly textured meatballs warrants a full 5-star endorsement.
- BorisTheBulgarian
I must say, this Beef Meatball Sub is a solid dish, but it's no banitsa, if you know what I mean. The combination of homemade beef meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is certainly delicious, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. What I did appreciate was the attention to detail in the recipe, like the importance of not overmixing the meatball ingredients and the use of high-quality cheese. As a fan of strong cheeses, I might suggest adding some extra parmesan or even a sprinkle of feta to give it an extra kick. Overall, it's a tasty, satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it wouldn't make me forget about my beloved shopska salad. Still, I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good sub, and I might even serve it with a glass of red wine to complete the experience.
- AkiraM24
I must say that this Beef Meatball Sub recipe is quite intriguing, despite being rather different from the traditional Japanese dishes I am accustomed to. The combination of beef meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese in a crispy sub roll is certainly an interesting one. However, I must admit that I am not entirely familiar with the flavors and ingredients used in this recipe, and I am concerned that the smells emanating from the kitchen while cooking may be somewhat overwhelming. Nonetheless, I appreciate the attention to detail in the preparation instructions, and I commend the author for providing such a thorough and step-by-step guide. As someone who is open to trying new things, I would be willing to give this recipe a try, perhaps with some modifications to suit my personal taste preferences. Arigatou gozaimasu for sharing this recipe.