Meatball Marinara Appetizers
Savory beef meatballs baked in marinara sauce, served in toasted hoagie rolls with asiago cheese for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 slices asiago cheese
- 8 small hoagie rolls
- Additional shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
Prepare the meatball mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form the meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into approximately 24 small, evenly sized meatballs.
Sear the meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until evenly browned on all sides (about 5 minutes per batch).
Bake the meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the seared meatballs to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, or until cooked through.
Prepare the rolls:
- While the meatballs bake, slice an oval-shaped opening from the top of each hoagie roll, leaving about ½ inch around the edges. Carefully hollow out the centers without cutting through the bottom. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish.
Layer the cheese:
- Place a slice of asiago cheese into the hollowed center of each roll. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt.
Assemble the appetizers:
- Add approximately 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each roll, followed by three meatballs. Spoon additional marinara over the meatballs, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Final bake:
- Return the rolls to the oven and bake for an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and hoagie rolls. Ensure that the marinara sauce is labeled gluten free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten.