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Homemade Meatball Subs

It’s homemade meatballs, the fresh toasted bread straight out of your oven, the homemade marinara  … it’s all of it!
Print Recipe
Homemade Meatball Subs
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour

Ingredients

Meatballs:

  • You can easily half this if you don't need many meatballs - just use one whole egg
  • - 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • - 1/3 cup milk I use whole milk
  • - 2lb ground beef
  • - 1 large egg
  • - 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • - 1 teaspoon salt
  • - Pepper
  • - 1/2 t dried parsley
  • - 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Easy Marinara Recipe:

  • 3 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic pressed
  • 1 28 fluid ounce can crushed tomatoes see note
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2-3 T Brown Sugar More or less to taste
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar or more to taste (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Sub Rolls
  • Cheese for serving

Instructions

Here's the order I usually prepare the sandwich items:

  • Get your marinara gently simmering on the stove.
  • Get your meatballs going and browned, and in the oven
  • Allow Meatballs to simmer in sauce for 10 minutes.
  • Assemble Sandwiches (Cheese, meatballs and add some italian seasonings on top) + Bake at 350 around 10 minutes, checking for how toasted you like your sandwiches

Meatball Directions:

  • Take the breadcrumbs + milk mix/mash together until you've got a paste.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Using hands, mix together and then form meatballs (use about 2 ½ tbsp meat/meatball). Don't over-mix or pack them too tightly, and use a delicate touch.
  • Heat some oil of your choice in a large cast iron skillet and brown over med-high heat. Put on parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350º 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

Marinara:

  • Add the oil and pressed garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Once the garlic starts to sizzle, give it a stir, and let it cook for about 30 seconds (careful! don't let it burn).
  • Stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, reducing heat to prevent splattering. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Here is where I adjust seasonings if needed. Also, add in your brown sugar, 1 T at a time, until it suits your tastebuds.
  • This sauce will be quite thick (great for meatballs and pasta). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of dry white or red wine, or a bit of pasta water to adjust consistency.
Servings: 3