Dave’s Meatball Sub

 

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

4 garlic cloves, grated

½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped

¾ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

1 cup breadcrumbs

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 eggs

2 tbsp Italian seasoning

Kosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste

3 cups Mozzarella, shredded, or 12 slices provolone.

6 each – Italian Sub Rolls

Butter, melted

 

Marinara Sauce

2 tbsp – extra virgin olive oil

1 cup – yellow onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp – garlic, minced

1 (6 oz) can – tomato paste

2 (16 oz) cans – crushed tomatoes

2 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

Red pepper flakes, to taste

Kosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste

2 tbsp granulated sugar

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mix ground beef, ground pork, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onions, Parmigiano Reggiano, breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to get it fully incorporated.

Line a sheet tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Roll the meatball mixture into large balls (about 2 – 3 oz per ball) and place on the sheet tray. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until fully cooked through.

While the meatballs are baking heat a large sauce pot over medium-high heat with 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. When hot, add the onions and cook until translucent (about 3 – 5 minutes). Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes.

Turn the heat down to medium and allow the sauce to cook for 10 – 15 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Add the dried herbs and cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Remove the meatballs from the oven and hold them hot with the sauce in a crock-pot set on warm. Take the sub rolls and brush them with melted butter. Begin layering the rolls with sauce, 3 – 4 meatballs, and more sauce. Top them with the shredded Mozzarella or sliced provolone.

Bake for 5 – 7 minutes in the oven until the cheese is melted (or under the broiler on low for 2 – 3 minutes). Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley and serve hot! Enjoy!