Meatball Sandwich Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the meatballs, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatballs together and adds texture.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the meatballs.

Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs.

Hoagie rolls: Long sandwich rolls that hold the meatballs and toppings.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully over the meatballs.

When forming the meatballs, make sure to keep your hands slightly damp. This prevents the ground beef mixture from sticking to your hands, allowing you to shape the meatballs more easily and uniformly. Additionally, browning the meatballs in the skillet before baking not only enhances their flavor but also helps to seal in the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatball sandwich.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Oatmeal can be used as a binder and adds a slightly different texture but still holds the meatballs together well.

• large egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor; use 1-2 cloves minced.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions add a bit of texture and a stronger flavor; use about ¼ cup finely chopped.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce offers a different flavor profile with basil and garlic, giving a unique twist to the sandwich.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls are a healthier option and provide more fiber.

• mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor, which complements the meatballs nicely.

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy bread.

• For short-term storage, place the meatballs and marinara sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the hoagie rolls separately to maintain their texture.

• If you plan to freeze, arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Store the marinara sauce in a separate freezer-safe container. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

• To freeze the hoagie rolls, wrap each roll individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn.

• When ready to use, thaw the meatballs and marinara sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the meatballs in a skillet or oven until warmed through. Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

• Toast the hoagie rolls in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.

• Assemble the meatball sandwiches by placing the reheated meatballs on the toasted hoagie rolls, topping with warmed marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the meatball sandwich in aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  3. Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese is melted.
  4. For a crispier roll, unwrap the sandwich for the last 5 minutes of heating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the meatball sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the meatballs are not hot enough, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Wrap the meatball sandwich in aluminum foil.
  3. Place the wrapped sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the meatballs are warmed and the cheese is melted.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the meatball sandwich on a baking tray.
  3. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are hot and the cheese is bubbly.
  4. For extra crispiness, toast the sandwich for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the meatball sandwich in aluminum foil.
  3. Place the wrapped sandwich in the air fryer basket.
  4. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven: Used to preheat and bake the meatballs and toast the hoagie rolls.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Skillet: Used to brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat.

• Baking dish: Used to place the browned meatballs and cover them with marinara sauce for baking.

• Spatula: Used to turn the meatballs in the skillet to ensure they brown evenly.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and marinara sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder and onion powder.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the mozzarella cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Knife: Used to slice the hoagie rolls if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to slice the hoagie rolls.

• Tongs: Used to handle the meatballs when transferring them from the skillet to the baking dish.

• Baking sheet: Used to toast the hoagie rolls in the oven.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle hot dishes and baking sheets coming out of the oven.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder ahead of time.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Save time by using store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you mix the meatball mixture to save time.

Cook meatballs in batches: Use a larger skillet to cook more meatballs at once, reducing overall cooking time.

Toast rolls while baking: Toast the hoagie rolls in the oven during the last 5 minutes of baking the meatballs.