Mini Meatball Subs {Quick Dinner Idea or Fun Party Appetizer}

I worked at Subway back in the day and fell in love with their meatball subs, but they were so large and too filling that even a 6-inch sub was too much. But on the hunt for more recipes, I thought I could make something that fit the craving without overindulging. Insert these Mini Meatball Subs that make a great quick dinner idea or even a fun party appetizer.

I used Hawaiian rolls for the base, but you could also use Aunt Millie's Carb Smart rolls, place in baking sheet. Tear an opening in each roll. Spray with butter or pour melted butter over the top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and put a tablespoon of marinara in each hole. I use pre-made meatballs (I cook them first), then put one in each slot. Top with a little more marinara and some parmesan cheese. Heat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

How to Make Homemade Meatballs:

What You Need:

- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef (could sub with half ground pork)

- 1 large egg (beaten)

- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

- 2 teaspoons minced garlic

- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 2 Tablespoons Chopped fresh Italian Flat leaf parsley (optional)

What You Need to Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Combine the meat, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, garlic, onion, black pepper and parsley in a bowl. Stir just until combined, do not over mix. Add a Tablespoon or two of water as needed to keep a wet mixture.

2. Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the meat. Then form into 1 1/2″ balls and place on the pan.

3. Bake uncovered for 17-20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle. Turn halfway through, so the bottoms don’t brown.

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Homemade Mini Meatballs for Meatball Subs

While store-bought meatballs make this recipe for quick and easy, homemade meatballs takes these mini subs to the next level! They're tender, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up your favorite marinara sauce.

Homemade Meatball Ingredients

- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk

Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk.
3. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, yielding about 20–24 mini meatballs.
5. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
6. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a saucepan with your favorite marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tip
For extra juicy meatballs, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. The added fat and seasoning create restaurant-quality meatballs that are perfect for sliders, subs, spaghetti, or appetizers

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy