Description
These Mini Meatball Subs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring tender, homemade meatballs baked to perfection, simmered in flavorful marinara sauce, then piled into soft mini sub rolls and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. With a touch of Parmesan and herbs for extra flavor, they make the perfect bite-sized sandwiches for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
For assembling the subs:
- 12 mini sub rolls or slider buns
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chopped parsley if using, and milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into small balls around 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. When the meatballs are done, transfer them carefully to the sauce and gently toss to coat each meatball thoroughly.
- Assemble the mini subs: Slice the mini sub rolls or slider buns lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a hinge. Optionally, toast the buns in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to add a slight crispiness.
- Build the subs: Place 2 to 3 sauced meatballs inside each sub roll. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an extra 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted fully and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the mini meatball subs from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve them warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Using a mix of ground beef and pork can enhance flavor and moisture.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a fresh herbal note.
- To make ahead, bake the meatballs and refrigerate; assemble and bake subs before serving.
- Mini sub rolls can be substituted with slider buns or small hoagie rolls.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or meatball mix.
