Welcome to our culinary adventure, where simplicity meets flavor in the perfect harmony of a meatball sub. This delightful dish is not only easy to make, but also budget-friendly, offering room for you to choose your own ingredients to suit your taste and wallet. With meatballs boasting insane flavors and a thick, rich sauce, this meal promises satisfaction with every bite. Join us as we guide you through the preparation of this irresistible sub, ensuring that all flavors are perfectly blended for a sandwich that’s as delicious as it is easy to create. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this meatball sub is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients and Preparation
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need one brown or yellow onion, peeled and diced, to be divided for use in both the meatball mix and the marinara sauce. Fresh garlic is essential; grate it for the best texture and flavor. Keep some freshly picked basil leaves on hand, choosing whether to chop or tear them based on your preference. These will be used in both the meatballs and the sauce.
Making the Meatballs
The heart of your sub is the meatballs. Into a mixing bowl, add 500 grams of beef mince with an 18% fat content. This ensures the meatballs remain juicy. Combine half of your diced onion, three cloves of grated garlic, one tablespoon of dry-fried Italian herbs, and one egg to bind everything. Add 25 grams of breadcrumbs and a half cup of freshly grated Parmesan for flavor and texture. Don’t forget the freshly chopped basil and a good pinch of salt and cracked black pepper.
Mix all these ingredients using your hands until everything is evenly combined. Once mixed, shape the meatballs any size you prefer, though smaller sizes are recommended for quicker cooking and easier sandwich assembly.
Cooking the Meatballs
In a pan over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the meatballs, allowing them to develop a nice sear while occasionally turning them for even cooking. They should be golden brown and just cooked through, which typically takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to a tray and set aside.
Creating the Marinara Sauce
In the same pan, take advantage of the flavors developed from cooking the meatballs. Reduce the heat and sauté the remaining onion with a touch of salt and pepper until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion’s natural moisture deglazes the pan beautifully. Add the rest of the garlic, cooking it just long enough to release its aroma, then introduce 400 grams of crushed tomatoes. Rinse the can with a little water to ensure no tomato is wasted and add this to the pan as well. Include 100 grams of tomato paste for a rich, thick consistency, and finish with the remaining basil, again seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce, thickening over 15 to 20 minutes. Once you find the texture and taste to your liking, fold the meatballs back into this flavorful concoction, gently heating them through.
Assembling the Sub
Now for the assembly of the sub, use a hoagie or sub roll, sliced to your preference. Apply a layer of basil pesto to the inside of the bread, giving it that extra layer of flavor. Layer thin rounds of fresh mozzarella cheese on one side and toast the roll under a grill until the cheese is perfectly melted.
Nestle the meatballs onto the roll, adding as many as you like without overstuffing the sandwich. Spoon a generous amount of that thick, hearty sauce over the meatballs. This sauce’s robust texture ensures you’ll avoid sogginess that can often plague subs. Optionally, add some extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Enjoying Your Creation
Finally, top with the other half of the roll. Slightly press it down to merge all components together, holding the perfect sandwich in place. Cut the sub in half to reveal the juicy, flavor-filled meatballs, beautifully layered with melted cheese and rich sauce.
This sandwich isn’t just about its rich, satisfying flavor; it’s about an experience, from preparing simple fresh ingredients to the moment you take that first delectable bite. Whether you enjoy it hot off the grill or save it for later, this meatball sub is a comforting classic, adaptable to your preferences and easily elevated with simple, fresh ingredients.
Don’t hesitate to explore variations of this dish, perhaps pairing the meatballs and sauce with pasta or enjoying them on their own. No matter how you serve them, these meatballs, rich with flavor and complementing perfectly with a thick marinara sauce, are destined to impress. So, head to the kitchen and start creating your top-tier meatball sub today!
Conclusion
Make an easy, affordable, and delicious meatball sub with rich flavors and thick sauce. Perfect for any cook, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite!
