Meatball sub sandwiches are a classic Italian-American dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. The combination of tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a crusty sub roll is a match made in heaven. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making meatball sub sandwiches that will impress your family and friends.
Understanding the Components of a Meatball Sub Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the components that make up a great meatball sub sandwich. The three main elements are:
- Meatballs: Made from ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, meatballs are the star of the show. They should be tender, flavorful, and hold their shape well.
- Marinara Sauce: A tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly. It’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and cook the sauce slowly to develop the flavors.
- Sub Roll: A crusty sub roll is the foundation of the sandwich. It should be lightly toasted to give it a crispy texture and a slightly charred flavor.
Choosing the Right Meat for Your Meatballs
When it comes to making meatballs, the type of meat you use is crucial. You can use beef, pork, or a combination of the two. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right meat:
- Fat Content: Meatballs need a certain amount of fat to stay moist and flavorful. Look for meat with a fat content of around 20%.
- Lean Meat: If you’re using lean meat, you may need to add some breadcrumbs or egg to help bind the mixture.
- Flavor Profile: Beef gives meatballs a heartier flavor, while pork adds a slightly sweeter taste.
Meatball Recipe
Here’s a simple meatball recipe that yields delicious results:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
- Drizzle the meatballs with a little olive oil and gently roll them around to coat evenly.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
Making the Marinara Sauce
A good marinara sauce is the backbone of a great meatball sub sandwich. Here’s a simple recipe that yields a rich and tangy sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
Assembling the Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Now that you have your meatballs and marinara sauce ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Here’s how:
- Preheat your broiler.
- Slice the sub rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Spoon some marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each sub roll.
- Add 3-4 meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
- Place the sub rolls under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the sub rolls from the oven and top with the top half of the sub roll.
Tips for Making the Perfect Meatball Sub Sandwich
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect meatball sub sandwich:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh parsley, good-quality cheese, and high-quality meat make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the sandwich.
- Don’t overcook the meatballs: Meatballs should be cooked through but still tender and juicy. Overcooking them can make them dry and tough.
- Use the right type of cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for meatball sub sandwiches, but you can also use other types of cheese like provolone or cheddar.
- Add some freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can add a bright and refreshing flavor to the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Meatball sub sandwiches are perfect for a quick and easy dinner, but they can also be served at parties and gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of pasta salad or garlic knots for a satisfying meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as sautéed onions or bell peppers, to let everyone customize their sandwich.
- Use meatball sub sandwiches as a base and add other ingredients, such as sliced ham or salami, to create a more substantial sandwich.
In conclusion, making meatball sub sandwiches is a straightforward process that requires some basic ingredients and cooking techniques. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create delicious meatball sub sandwiches that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick and easy dinner, meatball sub sandwiches are sure to become a favorite.
What is the best type of meat to use for meatball sub sandwiches?
The best type of meat to use for meatball sub sandwiches is a combination of ground meats, typically beef, pork, and sometimes veal. This blend of meats provides a rich flavor and tender texture that holds up well to cooking and being served on a sub roll. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
When choosing the type of meat, look for ground meats with a moderate fat content, around 20-25%. This will help keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. Avoid using ground meats that are too lean, as they may become dry and dense when cooked. You can also add other ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, to enhance the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
How do I make the perfect meatballs for my sub sandwiches?
To make the perfect meatballs for your sub sandwiches, start by combining the ground meats, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense and tough. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Once the meatballs are formed, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through. You can also fry the meatballs in a skillet with some oil until browned on all sides and cooked through. Either way, make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
What type of sauce is best for meatball sub sandwiches?
The best type of sauce for meatball sub sandwiches is a marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This sauce is classic and pairs well with the rich flavor of the meatballs. You can also use other types of sauces, such as arrabbiata or pesto, but marinara is the most traditional and popular choice.
To make a great marinara sauce, start by sautéing some garlic and onions in olive oil until softened. Then add in a can of crushed tomatoes, some dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Simmer the sauce over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly. You can also add in some red wine or beef broth to enhance the flavor.
How do I assemble the perfect meatball sub sandwich?
To assemble the perfect meatball sub sandwich, start by toasting the sub rolls in the oven or under the broiler until lightly browned. Then, place a few meatballs on each roll, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce and some shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add some chopped parsley or basil for extra flavor and color.
Once the sandwiches are assembled, place them under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also serve the sandwiches without melting the cheese, but this adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Either way, make sure to serve the sandwiches immediately, while the meatballs and sauce are still hot and the cheese is melted.
Can I make meatball sub sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make meatball sub sandwiches ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving. You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. Simply thaw the meatballs and sauce overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat them in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
To assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, you can toast the sub rolls and place them in an airtight container until ready to use. You can also assemble the sandwiches without the cheese and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s best to add the cheese and melt it under the broiler just before serving, as this adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover meatball sub sandwiches?
To store leftover meatball sub sandwiches, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can store the sandwiches for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat the sandwiches, simply wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
You can also store the meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat the meatballs and sauce in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly, then assemble the sandwiches as desired. This is a great way to enjoy meatball sub sandwiches for several days, without having to make a new batch each time.
Can I customize my meatball sub sandwiches with different toppings?
Yes, you can customize your meatball sub sandwiches with different toppings to suit your taste. Some popular toppings include sautéed onions and bell peppers, sliced hot peppers, chopped fresh parsley or basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add some sliced ham or salami for extra protein and flavor.
To customize your meatball sub sandwiches, simply add your desired toppings to the sandwiches after assembling them. You can also offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as sliced cheese, chopped herbs, and marinara sauce, and let everyone assemble their own sandwiches. This is a great way to make the dish more interactive and fun, and to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences.