Meatball Subs

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these hearty and satisfying Meatball Subs. Bursting with robust flavors and loaded with toppings, these subs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you opt to cut them in half for smaller servings or serve them whole to satiate the heartiest appetites, one thing is certain – these subs are destined to be a hit, especially among teenagers who appreciate substantial and flavorful meals. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a sandwich that’s a meal in itself!

Yield: 4–8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 9–11 minutes 

Total Time: 24–26 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon robust olive oil

For the Meatballs:

• ¼ pound ground turkey
• ¾ pound very lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ cup torn bread pieces
• 1 egg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1½ teaspoons dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Sandwiches:

• 4 large whole-grain sub or hoagie rolls, split
• Toppings of your choice, sliced or chopped:
  • Mushrooms
  • Jalapeño or banana peppers
  • Red or green bell pepper
  • Red onions
  • Grated cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by crafting the marinara sauce. Combine the diced tomatoes, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and robust olive oil in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat. Allow the sauce to simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the meatballs by combining the ground turkey, very lean ground beef, milk, torn bread pieces, egg, salt, dried onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, dried parsley, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Mix the ingredients until they are well blended, but be cautious not to overwork the mixture as excessive mixing can lead to tough meatballs.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 16 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and place the meatballs in the basket. Cook the meatballs until they are done and the juices run clear, which will take approximately 9 to 11 minutes.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, taste the marinara sauce. If you desire stronger flavors, add more seasoning and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Once the meatballs are cooked, drain them on paper towels.
7. Assemble the subs by placing 4 meatballs on each sub roll. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs and add your preferred toppings, whether it’s mushrooms, jalapeño or banana peppers, bell pepper, red onions, or grated cheese. Serve the subs with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

COOK’S TIP:

• For superior results, refrain from using commercial breadcrumbs for the meatballs. Instead, opt for ordinary sandwich bread torn into small pieces.

Experience the delight of assembling your own Meatball Subs, where each bite combines the hearty satisfaction of well-seasoned meatballs with the vibrant notes of marinara sauce and a medley of toppings. Whether enjoyed in halves or as substantial whole subs, these creations are tailor-made for hearty appetites and discerning palates. The balance of flavors and textures culminates in a sandwich that’s both comforting and exhilarating. Elevate your sandwich game with these delectable Meatball Subs that bring the joy of crafting a satisfying meal right into your kitchen.