The Meatball Marinara Sub is a beloved culinary creation that brings together the timeless flavors of tender meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and a generous helping of melted cheese. This classic sandwich offers a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that make it a cherished comfort food enjoyed by many.

Crafting Perfect Meatballs: At its heart, this sub features expertly crafted meatballs as the star of the show. A combination of ground beef and pork forms a flavorful foundation, while ingredients like Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and an egg provide richness and moisture. Fresh parsley and minced garlic add aromatic depth, while a hint of paprika introduces complexity and warmth. These meatballs are carefully shaped, baked to perfection, and serve as the cornerstone of the sub’s robust flavors.

The Essence of San Marzano Tomato Sauce: No Italian-inspired dish is complete without a robust tomato sauce. In this rendition, San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet and intense flavor, take center stage. Crushed to a velvety consistency, these tomatoes form the base of a rich marinara sauce. Sautéed onions and garlic contribute depth, while Italian seasonings and a touch of sugar balance the acidity, creating a harmonious sauce that perfectly complements the meatballs.

The Cheese Experience: What distinguishes this Meatball Marinara Sub is the addition of generous cheese. Whether it’s the creamy Butterkäse or the stretchy mozzarella, plenty of this delectable cheese is generously layered on top of the meatballs and sauce. Under gentle oven heat, the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer of indulgence. It envelops each meatball, melds with the velvety sauce, and contributes to a symphony of flavors.

What is Butterkäse Cheese?

Butterkäse cheese, pronounced “boo-tuh-kuh-zuh,” is a semi-soft, creamy, and mildly tangy cow’s milk cheese that originates from Germany. Its name literally translates to “butter cheese”, reflecting its rich and buttery taste and smooth, creamy texture. Butterkäse is typically pale yellow, with a thin, edible rind. It is a versatile cheese, ideal for melting, grilling, or enjoying on its own. Its mild flavor and creamy consistency make it a popular choice for sandwiches, cheese platters, and various culinary applications.

Presentation and Enjoyment:

As the Meatball Marinara Sub emerges from the oven, it presents itself as a visually appealing sandwich. The toasted sub rolls provide a satisfying crunch, while each bite reveals the tender meatballs, coated in flavorful marinara sauce. The melted cheese, a gooey crown atop the sub, tempts all who gaze upon it. For those seeking an extra layer of complexity, fresh basil leaves offers a spark of herbaceous delight.

Every bite of this sub is a journey into flavor. The tender meatballs, expertly seasoned and baked, offer a hearty and fulfilling experience. The San Marzano tomato sauce, with its natural sweetness and herbaceous undertones, complements the meatballs beautifully. Yet, it’s the cheese, melted to perfection, that elevates this sub. Its richness combines with the savory meat and tangy sauce, creating a satisfying and delightful combination.

The Meatball Marinara Sub is a comforting and delicious sandwich that brings together the best of Italian-inspired flavors. Whether enjoyed for a casual weeknight dinner or served at gatherings, it’s a delightful exploration of savory, cheesy, and utterly satisfying indulgence.

Meatball Marinara Sub Sandwich

5 from 1 vote

Recipe by Kyle Taylor Course: MainsCuisine: Italian, New AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

The Meatball Marinara Sub is a delectable sandwich featuring tender meatballs, flavorful San Marzano tomato sauce, and melted cheese, creating a harmonious blend of Italian-inspired flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
1 pound 1 ground beef
1/2 pound 1/2 ground pork
1/2 cup 1/2 Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup 1/4 heavy cream
1 large 1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup 1/4 parsley, freshly chopped
2 cloves of 2 garlic, minced
1 teaspoon 1 salt
1 teaspoon 1 ground black pepper
1 teaspoon 1 paprika
For the Marinara Sauce:
1 can (28 ounce) 1 San Marzano tomatoes
2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil
1 medium 1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of 2 garlic, minced
1 teaspoon 1 Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon 1 sugar
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
For the Subs:
4 4 sub rolls
2 cups 2 shredded melting cheese (Butterkäse)
1/2 cup 1/2 basil, freshly chopped

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, egg, freshly chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove the meatballs from the oven and set them aside.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the entire can of San Marzano crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and add the baked meatballs to the skillet. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Assemble the Subs:
Slice the sub rolls. Place a few meatballs on the bottom half of each sub roll. Spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated. Lay shredded cheese over the meatballs and sauce to cover them.

Place the subs in the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve immediately, and enjoy!