Craving a juicy, flavorful meatball sub but short on time? This slow cooker meatball sub recipe is your answer! Forget hours spent over a hot stove; this easy recipe delivers tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs and a rich, tangy sauce – all while you relax. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly delicious. It's a homemade cooking masterpiece that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together.
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
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Subs:
- 6 sub rolls
- 6 slices provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Instructions:
Get started with the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for roughly 24 meatballs.
Slow Cooker Time:
- Place the meatballs in your slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, water, olive oil, and sugar.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they're mostly submerged.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Assemble the subs:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the sub rolls lengthwise.
- Place the rolls, cut-side up, on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Top each sub with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend would be delicious.
- Veggie boost: Add finely chopped onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it ahead: The meatballs and sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before assembling the subs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This easy meatball sub recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and let us know how you liked it in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers. Happy cooking!