Epic Two-Foot Italian Meatball Sub Recipe

Epic Two-Foot Italian Meatball Sub Recipe

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this Monster 2-Foot Italian Sub, stuffed with oversized meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and a melty blanket of mozzarella cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, family dinners, or when you simply want to indulge in a legendary comfort food classic.

This mega sub delivers all the best Italian flavors in one over-the-top package. Juicy, homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce are cradled by a crusty baguette and smothered in melted cheese. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, with bold flavors and endless customization options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry group.
• Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist melted mozzarella atop marinara-soaked meatballs?
• Homemade and Customizable: Make it your own with toppings like olives, jalapeños, or fresh basil.
• Great for Sharing: Slice it into portions for the ultimate party sub.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Sub:

• 1 two-foot-long sub roll or baguette
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced olives, sliced jalapeños, fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into large meatballs, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and cover the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
3. Assemble the Sub:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Slice the sub roll lengthwise, leaving one side attached to form a hinge.
   • Fill the roll with the cooked meatballs and sauce. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Place the sub on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the sub from the oven and let it cool slightly. Add optional toppings like olives, jalapeños, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
   • Slice into portions and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Juicy Meatballs: Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients, as this can make them dense.
• Sub Roll Hack: For a crispier roll, lightly toast it before adding the meatballs and cheese.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake the sub when ready to serve.
• Custom Toppings: Add sliced pepperoni, banana peppers, or a drizzle of garlic butter for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the sub with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic breadsticks.
• Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or extra marinara on the side.
• Enjoy with a fizzy soda or a cold beer to balance the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sub portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce (without the bread) for up to 2 months.