Mini Meatball Subs

Who doesn’t love a good sub? These Mini Meatball Subs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender, juicy meatballs with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, all tucked into a soft, bite-sized bun. Perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or even game day, these little subs pack big flavor in every bite. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re comfort food at its finest, easy to make, and totally satisfying. The best part? They’re mini, so you can enjoy a few without feeling too full—though, let’s be honest, you’ll probably want more than just one!

Why You’ll Love Mini Meatball Subs

Crowd-Pleasing

These mini subs are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a party with friends. They’re small enough to serve as appetizers, but hearty enough to fill up even the biggest appetites.

Quick and Easy

Making meatballs doesn’t have to be a hassle. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these little subs ready in no time. No need for complicated prep—just roll, bake, and assemble!

Versatile

Feel free to get creative with your mini subs! You can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or mix up the cheese by using provolone or mozzarella. Add some sautéed onions or fresh basil for extra flavor.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Mini meatball subs are ideal for meal prepping. You can make a big batch of meatballs ahead of time, freeze them, and then assemble the subs when you’re ready to eat. They’re a great option for busy weeknights or packing lunch for the week.

Ingredients

For these delicious Mini Meatball Subs, you’ll need the following:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Beef: The base of the meatballs. You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and gives them a soft texture.
• Egg: Adds moisture and holds the meatballs together.
• Garlic Powder: For that aromatic, savory flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a slightly nutty flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning for the meatballs.

For the Subs:

• Mini Sub Rolls: Soft, small sub rolls that perfectly cradle the meatballs.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich, flavorful marinara sauce to coat the meatballs. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that makes these mini subs extra comforting.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and freshness on top of your subs.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make these mini meatball subs? Let’s dive into it!

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and get a nice golden-brown exterior.

2. Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Use your hands to roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting one in half to make sure it’s no longer pink in the center.

4. Heat the Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat your marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once heated, remove from the heat and set aside.

5. Assemble the Mini Meatball Subs

After the meatballs are cooked, it’s time to assemble your subs! Place a few meatballs into each mini sub roll, spoon over some marinara sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Pop them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and the subs are golden brown, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one Mini Meatball Sub (assuming the recipe makes 8 mini subs):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 17g
• Vitamin A: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 4% DV
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 10% DV
• Potassium: 300mg

(Note: The nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Mini Meatball Subs

Mini meatball subs are delicious on their own, but here are a few sides to complement the meal:

• Crispy French Fries: Classic fries go perfectly with these subs. Opt for homemade baked fries for a healthier twist.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread is a great addition, especially if you’re craving even more carbs (who isn’t?).
• Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw pairs nicely with the rich, savory meatballs.
• Pickles: Add some pickle slices on the side for a crunchy, tangy contrast to the meaty subs.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply heat them up in marinara sauce before assembling the subs.
• Customize the Meatballs: Feel free to add herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
• Try Other Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, provolone or a sharp cheddar would also be delicious melted on top.
• Switch Up the Sauce: If you’re not a fan of marinara, try using pesto, Alfredo, or even barbecue sauce for a fun twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these subs with turkey or chicken meatballs?
A1: Yes, you can definitely swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of these subs.

Q2: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the meatballs before baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Q3: Can I make these subs ahead of time?
A3: You can assemble the subs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just pop them under the broiler to melt the cheese before serving.

Q4: Can I use regular-sized sub rolls?
A4: You can, but the mini subs are a great bite-sized option. If you use regular-sized rolls, you might need to increase the number of meatballs and the amount of sauce.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the subs?
A5: Absolutely! You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even some spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q6: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A6: Of course! If you’re short on time, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly fine. Just heat it up and you’re good to go.

Q7: Can I make the meatballs spicier?
A7: Yes, feel free to add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or some chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.

Q8: How can I make this dish healthier?
A8: Use lean ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat mini sub rolls to make this a lighter option.

Q9: Can I make the subs without cheese?
A9: Sure! If you prefer a dairy-free option or simply don’t want cheese, these mini subs are still delicious with just the meatballs and marinara sauce.

Q10: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free sub rolls for a gluten-free version of these mini meatball subs.

Conclusion

These Mini Meatball Subs are everything you want in a comforting, satisfying meal—easy, delicious, and customizable. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fun party snack. With juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, you can’t go wrong. So, roll up your sleeves, make these mini subs, and enjoy a meal that’ll have everyone asking for more!

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