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Meatball Subs

Savory Meatball Subs: A Heartwarming Family Favorite

Enjoy these savory Meatball Subs packed with homemade beef meatballs, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Use 80/20 mix for ideal fat content.
  • 1 cup Saltine Crackers Acts as a binder; substitute with breadcrumbs if preferred.
  • 2 large Eggs Using room temperature eggs improves integration.
  • to taste Salt Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement.
  • to taste Pepper Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement.
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Feel free to use fresh oregano if available.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Provides moisture and flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Green Peppers Any bell pepper variety works.
  • 1 cup Red Peppers Any bell pepper variety works.
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Fresh or peeled canned can be used.
  • 2 cups Spaghetti Sauce Choose your favorite jarred sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Balances acidity in the sauce.
For Assembling
  • 4 rolls French Bread Rolls Select a soft roll suited for moisture.
  • to taste Toppings (Hot Pepper Rings & Fresh Mozzarella) Customize as desired.

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Parchment-lined cookie sheet
  • large pot
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped yellow onion, crushed saltine crackers, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
  2. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl, whisk, and then mix into the meat mixture. Shape into 2-inch meatballs.
  3. Let the meatballs rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  4. Sauté chopped green and red peppers, diced cherry tomatoes, and chopped onions in a skillet for about 5 minutes.
  5. Brown the meatballs on all sides in the same skillet for about 10 minutes.
  6. Transfer meatballs to a large pot with spaghetti sauce, sugar, and oregano. Simmer over low heat.
  7. Cover the pot and let simmer on low heat for about 90 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F, toast French rolls lightly, and assemble the subs with meatballs and toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1subCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow meatballs to rest before cooking to help them maintain shape. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 160°F.

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