Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches: A Saucy, Cheesy Delight
Saucy Goodness in Every Bite!
If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and saucy sandwich that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings, look no further than these oven-baked meatball sandwiches. This recipe combines juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled in a soft, toasted roll. It’s a delightful twist on the classic meatball sub that’s perfect for a family dinner or game day spread. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 pound ground pork (or use additional ground beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat a bit of olive oil. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Split the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Spoon a generous amount of the marinara sauce onto each roll, spreading it evenly.
- Place the partially cooked meatballs on top of the sauce in each roll.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
5. Bake:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rolls are toasted.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, garnish your oven-baked meatball sandwiches with fresh basil leaves before serving.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve your meatball sandwiches hot and gooey, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Meatball Sandwiches
Tips:
- To save time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs or pre-cooked meatballs from your local deli. Just thaw or reheat them according to the package instructions before assembling your sandwiches.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce.
Variations:
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack can add an extra layer of deliciousness.
- For a touch of freshness, layer your sandwiches with sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or even pickles.
Customization:
- These oven-baked meatball sandwiches are incredibly versatile. You can tailor them to your taste by adjusting the type of meat, seasonings, or toppings. Make them your own and enjoy the comforting, saucy goodness!
Storage:
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Cook’s Note:
- The beauty of these oven-baked meatball sandwiches is their simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a game day gathering, or a casual lunch, they’re sure to be a hit. So, prepare your taste buds for a savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious experience!
- These oven-baked meatball sandwiches are perfect for a family meal or a casual get-together with friends. They’re easy to make in large batches, making them a convenient choice for feeding a crowd.
- To ensure your meatballs are perfectly seasoned, consider making a small test patty before forming the entire batch. Adjust the seasoning if needed and then proceed with shaping the meatballs.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own. Just be sure to choose a quality sauce for the best flavor.
- The type of bread you choose can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your sandwiches. Hoagie rolls or sub rolls with a slightly crispy crust and soft interior work well, but you can also use baguettes or Italian bread for a different twist.
- If you want to add a kick to your sandwiches, consider topping them with sliced jalapeños or banana peppers for a spicy and tangy flavor.
- While mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for meatball sandwiches, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone, Swiss, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
- To make these sandwiches even more filling, you can serve them with a side salad, coleslaw, or a bowl of soup.
- Don’t forget to provide extra napkins; these oven-baked meatball sandwiches can get delightfully messy!
- Whether you’re enjoying them while watching the big game or as a comforting family dinner, these oven-baked meatball sandwiches are a winning combination of flavors and textures. So, gather your favorite people and savor every saucy, cheesy bite of this delicious meal!
