Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious: Meatball Subs with Caramelized Onions! This Italian classic transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasted hoagie roll filled with juicy meatballs, sweet caramelized onions, and rich marinara sauce—all topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering delight that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will prepare the oven for toasting the hoagie rolls later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should have approximately 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. If the onions start to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water to help deglaze.
- Once the onions are caramelized, return the meatballs to the skillet. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and onions. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- While the meatballs are simmering, cut the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place them on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
- To assemble the meatball subs, place a few meatballs along with some of the caramelized onions and marinara sauce into each toasted hoagie roll. You can add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Serve the meatball subs warm, with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping if you like. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor, opt for ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20 is ideal). This will keep your meatballs juicy and tender.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time, so be patient! Cooking them over medium-low heat allows the natural sugars to develop, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor.
- Mix Gently: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Batch Cooking: If you have leftovers, meatballs freeze well! Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick meal later on.
- Toast the Rolls: Don’t skip the toasting step! It adds a delightful crunch and helps prevent the rolls from getting soggy when filled with sauce.
- Customize Your Subs: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as sliced peppers, fresh basil, or extra cheese, to make these subs your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
