Introduction

Baked Meatball Sandwiches offer a delightful combination of savory meatballs, melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce, all nestled within a soft hoagie roll. These sandwiches are simple to prepare, making them perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting weekend meal. The homemade meatballs are juicy and flavorful, and the melted cheese adds the finishing touch to this satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a meal with family, these baked meatball sandwiches are sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep.
Homemade Meatballs: Made with fresh ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Cheesy Goodness: Topped with a generous amount of mozzarella for that melty, gooey texture.
Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Kid-Friendly: A classic comfort food that both kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Egg
Garlic
Salt and pepper
Marinara sauce
Hoagie rolls
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

Add Veggies: Include sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatballs or marinara sauce for a kick.
Substitute Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and stir to coat.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Slice the hoagie rolls in half and place the meatballs on the bottom half of each roll. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Final Bake

Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the baked meatball sandwiches hot and enjoy with a side of chips or a fresh salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Check Meatball Doneness: Ensure that meatballs are fully cooked by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: For a richer flavor, use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded.
Customize with Herbs: Add extra herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavor of the marinara sauce.

How to Serve

Serve these sandwiches with a side of crispy fries, a simple salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover meatball sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the bread crispy.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs (before assembling into sandwiches) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling.

Reheating

Reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly again.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, for a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any type of sandwich roll or baguette works well in this recipe.

3. Can I freeze the assembled sandwiches?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches and bake them directly from the freezer.

4. Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?

Absolutely! Adding finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and texture.

5. What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh parsley, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor.

6. How can I make these spicier?

Add chili flakes to the marinara sauce or mix hot sauce into the meatball mixture.

7. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, provolone, cheddar, or any melty cheese would work in this recipe.

8. How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers can be kept for up to 2 days in the fridge.

9. Can I use turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version.

10. How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Baked Meatball Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella cheese. They are quick to make, customizable, and perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for the family or serving guests, these sandwiches are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.