Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 4 slices Provolone Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 4 Hoagie Rolls
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, lightly beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, a generous pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Gently mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Roll the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch meatballs (about 18-20 meatballs).
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, place meatballs in a single layer, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in jarred marinara sauce, stirring to scrape up fond from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully return the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or up to an hour, allowing them to cook through and absorb flavors. Stir in fresh chopped basil during the last few minutes.
- While meatballs simmer, slice hoagie rolls lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through. Lightly toast them in the preheated oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until slightly golden and warmed through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Spoon a generous amount of saucy meatballs into each prepared hoagie roll. Layer with sliced provolone and shredded mozzarella cheese. Place open-faced subs onto a baking sheet. Bake in the 375°F (190°C) oven or under the broiler set to low for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
Oh, prepare yourselves for the ultimate weeknight indulgence! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of the Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub – a true culinary hug in a bun. Imagine perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs, simmered lovingly in a rich, vibrant marinara sauce, piled high onto a crusty, toasted hero roll. Then, because we believe in going all out, it’s crowned with a blanket of gooey, melty mozzarella and provolone cheeses, toasted to bubbly perfection. Each bite is an explosion of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness, making this an irresistible, deeply satisfying meal that feels incredibly special yet comes together with heartwarming ease.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American