Meatball Sub

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Cook: 4 hours
Yield 6 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Our meatball sub recipe features homemade meatballs that stay moist and tender, thanks to the flavorful combination of ground beef, Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese. Grab a few napkins because these saucy, slow-cooked meatballs make the juiciest sandwiches.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • SAUCE:
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 Italian rolls, split
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine eggs and milk; add the bread crumbs, cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add beef and sausage; mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Preheat broiler. Place meatballs in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 4 minutes; turn and broil 3 minutes longer.
  2. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine the tomato sauce and paste, onion, green pepper, wine, water and seasonings; pour over meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve on rolls. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 sandwich: 501 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 1410mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.

This is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first to quickly brown them. —Jean Glacken, Elkton, Maryland
Recipe Creator

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