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Easy Mini Meatball Subs

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These easy mini meatball subs feature crispy toasted rolls hugging juicy, well-seasoned meatballs drenched in a tangy homemade tomato sauce and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for quick, flavorful lunches or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 mini sub rolls or small hoagie rolls
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for garlic butter)
  • 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls to make about 24 mini meatballs. Place on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F). Remove and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chopped onions about 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Keep warm on low heat.
  7. Mix softened butter with minced garlic in a small bowl. Slice mini sub rolls horizontally without cutting all the way through.
  8. Spread garlic butter inside each roll. Place rolls on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
  9. Spoon 3-4 meatballs with sauce into each toasted roll. Top each with a slice of cheese.
  10. Return subs to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  11. Let subs cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Brush rolls generously with garlic butter before toasting to prevent sogginess. Cook meatballs in batches to ensure even browning. Let assembled subs rest a minute before eating to keep cheese from sliding off. If sauce is too watery, simmer longer uncovered to thicken. For extra crispy meatballs, broil briefly after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini meatball subs, easy lunch, quick dinner, crispy bread, homemade tomato sauce, melty cheese, meatballs, sandwiches

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-mini-meatball-subs-recipe-perfect-for-crispy-flavorful-lunches/