Oven-Baked Meatball Sandwiches

Instructions:

1. Make the meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.

2. Cook the meatballs.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat a bit of olive oil. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

• In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the sandwiches:

• Split the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and arrange them on a baking sheet.
• Spoon a generous amount of the marinara sauce onto each roll, spreading it evenly.
• Place the partially cooked meatballs on top of the sauce in each roll.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.

5. Bake:

• Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rolls are toasted.

6. Garnish and serve:

• If desired, garnish your oven-baked meatball sandwiches with fresh basil leaves before serving.

7. Enjoy:

• Serve your meatball sandwiches hot and gooey, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

Customizing Your Meatball Sandwiches

Tips:

• To save time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs or pre-cooked meatballs from your local deli. Just thaw or reheat them according to the package instructions before assembling your sandwiches.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce.

Variations:

• Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack can add an extra layer of deliciousness.
• For a touch of freshness, layer your sandwiches with sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or even pickles.

Customization:

• These oven-baked meatball sandwiches are incredibly versatile. You can tailor them to your taste by adjusting the type of meat, seasonings, or toppings. Make them your own and enjoy the comforting, saucy goodness!

Storage:

• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Cook’s Note:

• These oven-baked meatball sandwiches are made beautiful by their simplicity and universal appeal. They’ll be a success whether you serve them for a casual lunch, a game-day get-together, or dinner. So be ready for a cheesy, savory, and incredibly wonderful experience!

• These meatball sandwiches, cooked in the oven, are ideal for a casual get-together with friends or a family lunch. They’re a handy option for feeding a crowd because they’re simple to prepare in large quantities.
• Before creating the full batch of meatballs, think about forming a little test patty to make sure they are precisely seasoned. Shape the meatballs after adjusting the spices, if necessary.
• Instead of preparing your own marinara sauce, you can use store-bought if you’re pressed for time. For the greatest flavor, just make sure you use a high-quality sauce.
• The general flavor and texture of your sandwiches can be significantly influenced by the bread variety you select. Hoagie rolls or sub rolls with a soft inside and a slightly crispy outside work nicely, but for a variation, you could also use baguettes or Italian bread.
• Consider topping your sandwiches with sliced jalapeños or banana peppers for a fiery and tangy taste if you want to give them a little extra kick.
• Although provolone, Swiss, or even blue cheese can be used as an interesting touch, mozzarella cheese is the traditional option for meatball sandwiches.
• Serve these sandwiches with a bowl of soup, coleslaw, or a side salad to make them even more substantial.
• Remember to have extra napkins on hand since these oven-baked meatball sandwiches may get rather messy!
• These oven-baked meatball sandwiches are a winning blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy family meal or while watching the big game. So get your besties together and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this delectable dish!