Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub — A Quick Delight for Busy Nights
Short introduction
The Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is a delightful and hearty sandwich perfect for busy evenings. Featuring juicy meatballs nestled in Italian bread and topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this recipe comes together swiftly to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Why you’ll love it
This recipe is not just easy to make; it is also incredibly versatile and satisfying. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub:
- Quick Preparation: It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, simplifying grocery shopping.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to include your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on your preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy meatball filling, making it a hit for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have all the ingredients or want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
- Bread: Substitute Italian bread with a baguette, hoagie rolls, or even gluten-free bread.
- Sauce: If you want a spicier kick, use a spicy marinara or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Sauté onion and garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the meat
Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Prepare meat mixture
Once the beef is cooked through, pour the marinara sauce into the pan. Stir everything together until the meat is well-coated in the sauce, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Prepare the bread
Slice the Italian bread into individual servings (or slit the loaf) and place them in a baking dish, cut side up.
Step 6: Assemble the subs
Scoop the meat mixture onto each piece of bread, ensuring an even distribution. Top each sub with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 8: Serve hot
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious meatball subs while hot!
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking.
- Texture: For a crisper crust, you can broil the subs for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking the meat, which can make it tough. Monitor it closely, and make sure not to skip seasoning, as it enhances the flavors significantly.
How to serve
Serve the Easy Weeknight Meatball Subs hot out of the oven, either on their own or with a side of salad and some chips. You can also serve additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but this might cause the bread to become a bit soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and assemble the subs just before baking.
2. What other sauces can I use?
You can experiment with BBQ sauce or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I freeze meatball subs?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked meatball subs. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time if needed.
4. Is there a vegetarian option?
You can replace the ground beef with a veggie meat substitute or use lentils for a hearty, plant-based filling.
5. Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Consider adding sliced olives, jalapeños, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This recipe provides a good source of protein and calcium thanks to the ground beef and cheese. You can enhance its nutritional value by incorporating more vegetables or using whole grain bread.
Conclusion + CTA
The Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is the perfect meal for busy nights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients today and treat your loved ones to a delicious meal!
Links to related recipes
- Cheesy Baked Ziti
- Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Pasta Primavera
- Italian Sausage and Peppers
- Garlic Bread
Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Use spicy marinara for additional heat if desired.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
Assembly Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread Can use baguette, hoagie rolls, or gluten-free bread.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Can substitute with provolone or cheddar.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the pan and stir until the meat is well-coated, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Slice the Italian bread into individual servings and place them in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Scoop the meat mixture onto each piece of bread and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve hot.