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Epic Meatball Subs Recipe Easy for a Crowd with Cheesy Goodness

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Juicy homemade meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and provolone cheese, served in soft sub rolls. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6–8 soft sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced provolone cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 inch diameter meatballs, about 24 total. Place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 70°C).
  5. While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  7. Transfer baked meatballs to the simmering sauce and cook together for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Fill each with several meatballs and sauce.
  9. Top with mozzarella and provolone cheese slices.
  10. Place assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For juicier meatballs, mix beef and pork. Let meatball mixture rest in fridge for 30 minutes before shaping. Turn meatballs halfway through baking for even browning. Simmer sauce gently to avoid acidity. Toast rolls lightly before filling to prevent sogginess. Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball subs, meatball sandwich, easy meatball recipe, crowd recipe, cheesy meatball subs, homemade meatballs, tomato sauce, sub sandwich

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/epic-meatball-subs-recipe-easy-for-a-crowd-with-cheesy-goodness/