Meatball Sandwich Recipe – American , Italian Special
The Meatball Sandwich Recipe is a satisfying fusion of American comfort and Italian flavor: tender, homemade meatballs nestled in a soft hoagie roll, smothered with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This sandwich brings together juicy ground meat, fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, and the warmth of toasted rolls to create an easy dinner or a filling lunch. Whether you’re craving something cozy or feeding a group, this three-component classic delivers big flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time40 min
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Make the Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until just combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
Heat the Marinara Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the meatballs are done, place 2-3 meatballs on each hoagie roll. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Broil:
Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve:
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Recipe Notes :
Meat Options: You can mix ground beef with pork or turkey for different flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs Tip: Using panko breadcrumbs gives extra crunch; Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add herbal depth.
Cheese Variations: Substitute provolone or gouda in place of mozzarella to change up the melt and taste.
Sauce Choices: Homemade marinara elevates the dish if time permits; store-bought marinara is a good shortcut.
Make-Ahead / Freezing: Meatballs freeze well – cook ahead, then reheat them in sauce when you assemble the sandwich.
