Description
Oven Baked Meatball Sandwiches are a comforting, savory handheld meal featuring juicy, flavorful meatballs baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe delivers classic Italian flavors in a cozy, customizable sandwich perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings. Crisp toasted rolls hold everything together, making it an irresistible comfort food that satisfies hunger and brightens any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Sandwich Assembly
- 6 sandwich rolls (hoagie or Italian style)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic and onion, Italian seasoning, egg, and chopped fresh parsley in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about the size of golf balls to ensure even cooking and ease of assembly.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sandwich Rolls: Slice each roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through to create a hinge. Lightly toast them in the oven or on a skillet to add texture and prevent sogginess when adding sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread marinara sauce inside each toasted roll. Nestle hot meatballs inside, then top generously with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
- Final Bake: Place assembled sandwiches on a baking tray and return to the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sandwiches are heated through.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help meatballs stay juicy and blend more easily.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender instead of tough.
- Toast the rolls before assembling to add crunch and prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Fresh basil or parsley brightens the flavor and adds color.
- Double the marinara sauce for extra sauciness if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (approx)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: forty-five g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg