Craving that delicious Spicy Italian Subway sandwich but don't want to leave the house? This recipe brings the fiery, flavorful goodness right to your kitchen! It's surprisingly easy to make, a perfect quick dinner idea, and a healthier alternative to takeout. Get ready to enjoy a homemade version that's just as satisfying, if not better, than the original.
Ingredients:
- For the Spicy Italian Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sandwich:
- 6-inch or footlong sub roll
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers (optional, but recommended for that authentic Subway zing!)
- 1/4 cup sliced onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Spicy Italian Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get approximately 12-15 meatballs, depending on size.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
Assembling the Sandwich:
- Preheat your oven's broiler.
- Slice the sub roll lengthwise.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly over both halves of the roll.
- Arrange the cooked meatballs on the bottom half of the roll.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add your optional banana peppers and onions.
- Broil the sandwich for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Carefully remove from the oven and top with the other half of the roll.
Tips for the Best Spicy Italian Subway Sandwich:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Meatball magic: For extra flavor, simmer the meatballs in a little marinara sauce for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Fresh is best: Using fresh herbs instead of dried will enhance the flavor profile.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked meatballs will be dry and tough. Cook them until just browned and cooked through.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a vegetarian meatball alternative.
- Veggie boost: Add other vegetables like lettuce, spinach, or tomatoes.
- Extra sauce: Don’t be shy with the marinara sauce – it adds tons of flavor!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This homemade Spicy Italian Subway recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. It's a fantastic healthy meal option that's quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!