Description
Quick and easy mini meatball subs perfect for busy weeknights, made with simple ingredients and kid-approved flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- ½ cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 6 mini sub rolls (4–5 inches long)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: fresh basil leaves
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs. Place on a lined baking sheet spaced about an inch apart.
- Bake meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- While meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Slice mini rolls open without cutting all the way through. Spoon meatballs with sauce into each roll.
- Top each sub with shredded mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or red pepper flakes.
Notes
[‘Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.’, ‘Use fresh bread crumbs or add a splash of milk if using dry crumbs to keep meatballs moist.’, ‘Choose a thick marinara sauce for better coating.’, ‘Toast rolls lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.’, ‘Broil cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust.’, ‘Make extra meatballs to freeze for quick future meals.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sub
- Calories: 410
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 24
Keywords: mini meatball subs, quick dinner, kid-friendly, easy recipe, back-to-school meals, meatballs, sandwiches