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Easy Cheesy Mini Meatball Sub Sandwiches

easy cheesy mini meatball sub sandwiches - featured image

These Easy Cheesy Mini Meatball Sub Sandwiches are quick, comforting, and perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, featuring juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and soft rolls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean recommended)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 mini sub rolls or slider buns
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Butter for toasting rolls (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into about 16 mini meatballs, roughly 1-inch diameter, and place on a plate or tray.
  4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through. This step is optional but recommended.
  5. In a small saucepan, warm marinara sauce with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes over low heat, letting it gently bubble.
  6. Slice mini sub rolls horizontally, leaving a hinge. Optionally spread butter inside and toast lightly for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  7. Spoon a small amount of sauce inside each roll, place 2 browned meatballs in each, spoon more sauce over them, then top with about 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Arrange the assembled mini subs on the baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the subs cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatballs to keep them tender. Browning the meatballs before baking adds flavor and texture but can be skipped if short on time. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Toast the buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Watch baking time carefully to avoid burning the cheese. If sauce is too watery, simmer uncovered longer before assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini meatball subs, cheesy meatball sandwiches, party snacks, easy meatball recipe, quick dinner, comfort food