Meatball Subs Recipe
Homemade Meatball Subs made with seasoned ground beef meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and provolone cheese, served on toasted baguette bread. A hearty, satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
For the Sandwiches:
- 1 French baguette
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt or to taste
- 1 14-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a spoon until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form and Bake the Meatballs
- Shape the mixture into approximately 12 evenly-sized meatballs. Place them in the prepared baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should register at least 160°F (71°C).
Prepare the Baguette
- While the meatballs are baking, slice the French baguette in half lengthwise and open it flat, like a book. Using your hands or a spoon, hollow out some of the interior bread to create space for the meatballs.
Season and Toast the Baguette
- Brush the inside surfaces of the baguette with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Place the baguette halves, cut side up, on a baking tray.
Toast the Baguette
- With approximately 5 minutes remaining on the meatballs, place the baking tray with the baguette in the oven. Toast for 5 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden and crisp.
Heat the Spaghetti Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the spaghetti sauce until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Coat the Meatballs with Sauce
- Once the meatballs have finished baking, use a slotted spoon to transfer them into the warmed spaghetti sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly.
Assemble the Meatball Subs
- Arrange the sauced meatballs along one side of the toasted baguette, nesting them into the hollowed area. Place the slices of provolone cheese over the meatballs.
Melt the Cheese
- Return the assembled sandwich to the oven and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
Slice and Serve
- Remove the baguette from the oven and allow it to cool briefly. Cut into four equal portions and serve immediately.
Notes
To prepare this Meatball Subs Recipe as gluten-free, please consider the following modifications:
- Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture.
- Select a gluten-free baguette or sub roll as the bread component. Many grocery stores and specialty bakeries offer gluten-free alternatives.
- Verify that the spaghetti sauce used is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may include gluten-containing additives or thickeners.
- Double-check all seasonings and spices to ensure they are free from cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.