Ah, the humble meatball sub. A warm roll cradling juicy meatballs, smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese—it’s hard to resist. Today, I’m going to share with you my beloved turkey meatball sub recipe.
Honestly, every time I whip this up, it takes me back to casual family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, laughter echoing, and the aroma of something delicious wafting through the air. This is comfort food with a twist, and believe me, you will cherish every bite.
What is Turkey Meatball Sub?
A turkey meatball sub is a delightful sandwich featuring meatballs made from ground turkey instead of the traditional beef or pork. They are juicy, flavorful, and much lighter.
We’ve got artisan rolls, flavor-packed marinara, and melted cheese inviting you in for a hearty meal. You can serve these subs as a comforting weekday dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. They are also quite kid-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatball Sub Recipe
You might wonder why I am so enthusiastic about this recipe. First, it’s straightforward. You won’t need to scour the internet for obscure ingredients. Most of what you’ll need probably resides in your pantry already.
Second, they cater to all tastes. Whether you want mild flavors or a spicy kick, this recipe adapts beautifully. Lastly, you’ll impress everyone who takes a bite. Seriously, they’ll think you are some culinary genius!
The Ingredients
Let’s dive into what you’ll need. Here’s a simple list of ingredients:
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 jar robust marinara sauce
- 16 slices of melted Provolone cheese
- 8 artisan sandwich rolls
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup finely chopped spinach
This mix of ingredients will elevate your subs from average to extraordinary!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large bowl and toss in your ground turkey. Then, add the seasoned bread crumbs, Montreal steak seasoning, dried herbs, garlic powder, and grated cheese. Don’t forget to add the beaten egg! The egg acts like a glue, binding everything together. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in those red pepper flakes too.
Using your hands, combine everything until it’s well mixed. Don’t overdo it—gentle mixing is all that’s needed here.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Now, let’s create those meatballs! With your hands (a light dusting of olive oil can help prevent sticking), form the mixture into about 16 equal-sized meatballs. They should be a bit larger than a golf ball. As you form them, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want them to turn a nice golden brown and be cooked through—it’s turkey, after all!
Step 4: Heat the Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, pour your marinara sauce into a medium saucepan over low heat. Allow it to warm up gently, stirring occasionally. The more it simmers, the better the flavor will become! If you prefer a chunkier sauce, just let it heat without blending.
Step 5: Prepare the Rolls
Take this moment to slice your artisan rolls in half. Lightly toast them in a toaster or on a grill. This adds a nice crunch that will withstand the goodness of the meatballs and sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Subs
Once the meatballs are golden and the sauce is heated through, it’s time to assemble. Place several meatballs on the bottom half of each roll. Ensure each sub gets a generous spoonful of marinara sauce poured over the meatballs. Top with those luscious slices of Provolone cheese.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
To finish, place the assembled subs back in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want the cheese to melt but not turn to complete goo. Pay attention, though! You don’t want to lose the golden color of that melted cheese.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Remove from the oven, add the top half of the roll, and dig in! You might need a napkin or two. These subs get messy—deliciously messy.
Tips & Tricks
- Prep Ahead: You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just bake and then freeze before adding them to the marinara. Easy-peasy!
- Watch the Salt: If you’re watching your sodium intake, adjust the seasoning and use low-sodium marinara sauce.
- Go Slow with the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer; it will enhance its flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, fresh herbs will bring an incredible taste to the mix.
- Add Spice: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
Can I Store Turkey Meatball Sub?
Absolutely! If you find yourself with leftovers—what a bonus! Store the assembled subs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you wish to preserve the integrity of the rolls, I recommend separating the meatballs and sauce from the bread. This way, you can keep the rolls from getting soggy!
What Can I Serve with Turkey Meatball Sub?
Pairing is everything! Here are my favorite accompaniments:
- Fresh Green Salad: A side salad with a zesty vinaigrette refreshes your palate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Coleslaw: The creaminess of coleslaw contrasts well with the savory flavor of the sub.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad offers a nice texture variety.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of colorful grilled veggies balances the richness of the meatball sub.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? I’ve got you covered with some tasty variations.
- Spicy Turkey Meatballs: Add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture or spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese instead of Parmigiano and add chopped kalamata olives to the meatball mixture. Top with tzatziki sauce instead of marinara for a refreshing twist.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Fold chopped spinach, grated carrots, or zucchini into your meatball mixture for added nutrients and moisture.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Use garlic butter on the rolls before adding the meatball mix and cover with mozzarella on top for a twist.
- Buffalo Style: Mix cayenne pepper sauce into your meatball mix and serve with blue cheese dressing to drench all over!
Conclusion
Wrapping up this turkey meatball sub journey has been exciting, and I hope you feel the same way! With flavors that meld beautifully and a texture that satisfies every bite, these subs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. From family dinners to game day gatherings, they are a hit every time.
So next time you’re itching for a comforting meal, remember this recipe. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into a culinary experience that’ll remind you of home. Get ready for everyone to come back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Enjoy!
Turkey Meatball Sub Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Description
Ah, the humble meatball sub. A warm roll cradling juicy meatballs, smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese—it’s hard to resist. Today, I’m going to share with you my beloved turkey meatball sub recipe.
Honestly, every time I whip this up, it takes me back to casual family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, laughter echoing, and the aroma of something delicious wafting through the air. This is comfort food with a twist, and believe me, you will cherish every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
-
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large bowl and toss in your ground turkey. Then, add the seasoned bread crumbs, Montreal steak seasoning, dried herbs, garlic powder, and grated cheese. Don’t forget to add the beaten egg! The egg acts like a glue, binding everything together. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in those red pepper flakes too.
Using your hands, combine everything until it’s well mixed. Don’t overdo it—gentle mixing is all that’s needed here.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
-
Now, let’s create those meatballs! With your hands (a light dusting of olive oil can help prevent sticking), form the mixture into about 16 equal-sized meatballs. They should be a bit larger than a golf ball. As you form them, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
-
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want them to turn a nice golden brown and be cooked through—it’s turkey, after all!
Step 4: Heat the Marinara Sauce
-
While the meatballs are baking, pour your marinara sauce into a medium saucepan over low heat. Allow it to warm up gently, stirring occasionally. The more it simmers, the better the flavor will become! If you prefer a chunkier sauce, just let it heat without blending.
Step 5: Prepare the Rolls
-
Take this moment to slice your artisan rolls in half. Lightly toast them in a toaster or on a grill. This adds a nice crunch that will withstand the goodness of the meatballs and sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Subs
-
Once the meatballs are golden and the sauce is heated through, it’s time to assemble. Place several meatballs on the bottom half of each roll. Ensure each sub gets a generous spoonful of marinara sauce poured over the meatballs. Top with those luscious slices of Provolone cheese.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
-
To finish, place the assembled subs back in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want the cheese to melt but not turn to complete goo. Pay attention, though! You don’t want to lose the golden color of that melted cheese.
Step 8: Enjoy!
-
Remove from the oven, add the top half of the roll, and dig in! You might need a napkin or two. These subs get messy—deliciously messy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 430kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 26.6g41%
- Saturated Fat 10.4g52%
- Cholesterol 93mg31%
- Sodium 692mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 24g48%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Prep Ahead: You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just bake and then freeze before adding them to the marinara. Easy-peasy!
- Watch the Salt: If you’re watching your sodium intake, adjust the seasoning and use low-sodium marinara sauce.
- Go Slow with the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer; it will enhance its flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, fresh herbs will bring an incredible taste to the mix.
- Add Spice: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
