3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out
These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.
Loaded Meatball Sub with Cheese and Crispy Onions is a delightful, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. These flavorful meatballs, drenched in marinara sauce and topped with gooey cheese and crispy onions, are packed into soft sub rolls, making them both satisfying and easy to enjoy. This recipe is not only simple but also customizable, allowing you to load up your sub just the way you like it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Loaded Meatball Sub is a fantastic choice for several reasons. It’s comforting, filling, and brings a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Quick and easy to make
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Packs a punch of flavor
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Loaded Meatball Sub
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the warmed marinara sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the meatballs.
- Fill each sub roll with 3 meatballs and spoon additional marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
- Return the loaded subs to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top each sub with shredded lettuce and crispy fried onions before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Ensure your meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the garlic and herbs.
- If you prefer a spicier sub, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Toast the sub rolls for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Easy Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Use whole wheat rolls for a healthier alternative.
What to Serve With It
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Sweet potato fries or regular fries
- Garlic bread for dipping in marinara sauce
- A bowl of soup, such as minestrone or tomato
Storage and Reheating
Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out
Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.
Leftover meatball subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sub in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 12 equal meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the warmed marinara sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
- Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the meatballs.
- Fill each sub roll with 3 meatballs and spoon additional marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
- Return the loaded subs to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top each sub with shredded lettuce and crispy fried onions before serving.
Notes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
