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Ultimate Homemade Meatball Sandwich

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time1 hrTotal Time1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients
🧑‍🍳 For the Meatballs:
 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or mix with pork for extra richness)
 ½ cup Breadcrumbs
 ¼ cup Milk
 1 Egg
 ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
 ½ tsp garlic powder
 ½ tsp onion powder
 1 tsp Salt
 ½ tsp Black Pepper
🍅 For the Sauce:
 1 tbsp Olive Oil (if browning meatballs)
 1 can (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes – San Marzano if you can
 1 can (6 oz) Tomato Paste
 2 cloves Garlic, minced
 1 tsp Dried Oregano
 1 tsp Dried Basil
 ½ tsp Sugar (optional)
 Salt and pepper to taste
🥖 For the Sandwich:
 4 hoagie rolls or Italian sub rolls (use crusty bread)
 1 cup shredded mozzarella or 8 slices provolone
 Butter or olive oil for brushing
 Fresh basil (optional garnish)
Make the Meatballs
1

Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl and let sit for 5 mins (that’s a panade — makes ‘em juicy). Add all other ingredients and mix gently — don’t overwork it. Form 1.5-inch meatballs.

Brown in a skillet with a little oil until golden on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside.

Raw meatballs formed and ready to cook

Cook the Sauce
2

In the same pan, sauté garlic in olive oil (1 min). Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 10-15 minutes. Add meatballs to finish cooking in sauce, 10 more minutes.

Meatballs simmering in rich tomato sauce

Assemble the Sandwich
3

Split your hoagie rolls, brush with butter or olive oil, and toast lightly under the broiler. Stuff with meatballs and sauce, top with cheese, and return to broil until melted and bubbly.

Top with fresh basil if you’re feeling classy.

Toasted hoagie roll filled with meatballs and melted provolone

Notes

Equipment:

  1. Large Mixing Bowl
  2. Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven
  3. Baking Sheet or Large Skillet
  4. Measuring Cups and Spoons
  5. Cheese Grater
  6. Sharp Knife + Cutting Board
Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories650
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g45%

Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 950mg42%
Total Carbohydrate 45g17%

Dietary Fiber 3g11%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 35g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.