A Sensational Meatball Marinara Sandwich

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with our sensational Meatball Marinara Sandwich! Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe takes the classic meatball sub to new heights with homemade elements that are sure to impress. Tender, flavourful meatballs are nestled in a rich, tangy tomato marinara sauce made from scratch, all topped with melted mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan. The crowning glory? Crispy, golden garlic bread that perfectly complements the savoury goodness within. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this mouthwatering meatball marinara sub that will leave your taste buds craving more. Get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece that’s both delicious and satisfying!

There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-made meatball marinara sandwich. The combination of juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled within a crispy, buttery garlic bread, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is hard to beat. This recipe is designed to help you recreate this beloved sub at home, with each component made from scratch to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.

Why Make This Sandwich at Home?

When you make a meatball marinara sub at home, you have full control over the quality of ingredients and the flavors. Homemade meatballs are far superior to store-bought ones, allowing you to infuse them with your favorite herbs and spices. By making your own marinara sauce, you can achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and by crafting your own garlic bread, you ensure it’s fresh, fragrant, and just the right level of crispy.

The Ingredients

Let’s start with the key components of this sensational sandwich:

• Meatballs: Made with ground beef, these meatballs are flavored with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and oregano, giving them a rich, savory taste. The breadcrumbs and egg help bind the meatballs, ensuring they hold their shape and remain tender and juicy when cooked.
• Marinara Sauce: This sauce starts with sautéed onions and garlic, to which we add tomato passata and fresh basil. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and tangy base that complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Made from a baguette, this garlic bread is slathered with a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Baked until golden and crispy, it provides the perfect vessel for our meatball and marinara filling.
• Cheese: Slices of mozzarella melt beautifully over the hot meatballs and sauce, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Making the Meatballs

The first step in creating this delicious sandwich is to prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine 500g of ground beef, one large egg, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix everything together until well combined. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, aiming for uniform size so they cook evenly.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

2. Preparing the Marinara Sauce

Using the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add one small finely chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves, cooking until they are soft and fragrant, about five minutes. Stir in 800g of tomato passata and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add a handful of chopped fresh basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.

Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors of the marinara.

3. Creating the Garlic Bread

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small bowl, combine four tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, two minced garlic cloves, two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.

Take a baguette and halve it lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette. Place the baguette halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and bake until golden and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Assembling the Sandwich

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your sensational meatball marinara sandwich. Place slices of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce, allowing it to melt slightly. For an extra melty, gooey finish, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Spoon the meatballs and sauce generously over the bottom halves of the garlic bread. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation. Top with the other half of the garlic bread, cut into portions, and serve immediately.

Enjoying Your Homemade Meatball Marinara Sub

This meatball marinara sub is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, while the cheese is still melted and the garlic bread is crispy. The combination of flavors and textures will make each bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet sandwich experience, this recipe is sure to impress.

With this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to creating a sensational meatball marinara sandwich that rivals any restaurant version. The homemade touch makes all the difference, elevating this classic sub into something truly special. Enjoy the process of making each component from scratch, and savour the delicious results with every bite. Happy cooking!