Craving a juicy, flavorful meatball sub that rivals your favorite takeout joint? Look no further! This Firehouse Meatball Sub recipe delivers on taste and ease, making it the perfect quick dinner idea or a satisfying weekend meal. Forget complicated recipes; this homemade version is surprisingly simple and uses readily available ingredients, ensuring delicious results every time. Get ready to experience the best meatball sub you've ever tasted, all made from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sub:
- 6 long sub rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for roughly 24 meatballs, depending on size.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds great flavor! Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
Assembling the Subs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce and gently stir to coat. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Brush the sub rolls with olive oil.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Fill each roll generously with meatballs and sauce. Top with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in both the meatballs and the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the sauce before assembling the subs.
- You can substitute other cheeses, such as mozzarella or even pepper jack, for the provolone.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and lentils or mushrooms.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Firehouse Meatball Sub recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this homemade, healthy meal!