Description
Savory mini meatball subs deliver an Italian-American classic in bite-sized perfection. Packed with herbed beef, melted cheese, and zesty marinara, these sliders promise a delightful flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 12 mini sub rolls, slider buns, or dinner rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 2 tbsps butter, melted (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Meatball Preparation: Gently combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Delicately form mixture into compact, uniform spherical portions.
- Meatball Cooking: Warm a skillet over medium heat with a light coating of oil. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, rotating periodically to ensure uniform browning. Cook until fully developed and golden on all surfaces, approximately 6-8 minutes. Cascade marinara sauce over meatballs and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, creating a rich, flavorful coating.
- Bun Transformation: Activate oven to 375F (190C). Partially slice buns, maintaining structural integrity. Position in baking vessel. Optional: Enhance exterior with garlic-infused melted butter for aromatic depth.
- Sub Assembly: Nestle 2-3 sauce-coated meatballs within each bun’s embrace. Generously crown with melted cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Final Baking: Slide into preheated oven, allowing 8-10 minutes for cheese to transform into molten perfection and buns to acquire a delicate golden crispness.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, serving immediately to capture optimal temperature and textural excellence.
Notes
- Avoid overworking the ground meat while mixing to prevent tough, dense meatballs – use a light touch and mix just until ingredients combine.
- Add a splash of milk or water to breadcrumbs before mixing to keep meatballs extra juicy and prevent them from becoming dry during cooking.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs, ensuring consistent cooking and an attractive presentation.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg