Let’s probe one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: the Classic Meatball Sub Sandwich. This delightful sandwich is filled with juicy, flavorful meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a perfect sub roll. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even a party setup. Here’s how to create this mouthwatering sandwich from scratch.

To begin, gather all your ingredients. For the meatballs, you will need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the sandwich assembly, you will also need:

• 4 sub rolls
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Now, let’s make the meatballs! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough meatballs.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the meat mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.

While the meatballs are baking, heat your marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are ready, add them to the sauce, allowing them to simmer for a few minutes to soak up some flavor.

Next, let’s assemble the sandwiches. Take your sub rolls and slice them open. I like to toast them lightly in the oven for that extra crunch. Spoon some of the meatballs and marinara sauce into each roll, making sure to load them up with enough sauce. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Now, return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

There you have it: a deliciously cheesy, hearty Classic Meatball Sub Sandwich that’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy your creation with a side of chips or a salad, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family! Bon appétit!