Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

Introduction

Italian Turkey Meatball Subs are a flavorful twist on a classic sandwich. Juicy turkey meatballs seasoned with Italian spices, melted mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce come together in a toasted sub roll to create a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp milk
• 4 sub rolls (6 inch)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, parsley, and garlic. Pour in the milk and olive oil, then mix well. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquids.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the mixture and gently work it in until evenly combined, using your hands if needed. Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
4. Step 4: Arrange the meatballs on a greased cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F.
5. Step 5: Slice the sub rolls in half. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each half, sprinkle with garlic salt, and add a small amount of mozzarella cheese. Place the rolls under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges turn golden brown.
6. Step 6: Spoon marinara sauce onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Place four meatballs on each, then spoon additional sauce over the meatballs. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Bake the assembled subs at 350˚F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are heated through.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, serve hot, and enjoy with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, mix in some finely grated onion or substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or add sliced pepperoni for an extra kick.
• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
• To save time, cook the meatballs in advance and reheat before assembling the subs.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and subs separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs in the microwave or oven until warmed through, then assemble subs fresh for best texture. Prepared sandwiches can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats, or omit them entirely for a denser meatball, but breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs moist and tender.

What type of sub rolls work best for this recipe?

Soft yet sturdy rolls like hoagie or Italian rolls are ideal as they can hold the meatballs and sauce without becoming soggy or falling apart.

Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Italian Turkey Meatball Subs recipe features tender, flavorful turkey meatballs baked to perfection and nestled in toasted sub rolls smothered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Enhanced with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, these hearty sandwiches make a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lbs ground turkey
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp milk

Subs and Topping

• 4 sub rolls, 6 inch
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Then add the parmesan, egg, diced onion, parsley, and pressed garlic. Pour in the milk and olive oil and mix everything together so the dry ingredients start absorbing the wet, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the mixture and work it in evenly, using your hands if needed. Once combined, shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
4. Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs spaced evenly on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 375˚F for 25-35 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F, indicating they are cooked through.
5. Prepare Subs: Carefully cut the sub rolls in half. Spread 1 tablespoon butter evenly inside each roll, sprinkle with garlic salt and a little mozzarella cheese, then place them under the oven broiler on high for 2-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread edges brown.
6. Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon marinara sauce on the bottom halves of the rolls. Place 4 meatballs on each bun, spoon 1/4 of the remaining marinara over the meatballs, then top with 1/4 of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Final Bake: Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven at 350˚F and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the sandwiches are heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meatballs are safely cooked to 165˚F internally.
• For a spicier touch, increase the red pepper flakes to your preference.
• You can substitute sub rolls with hoagie rolls or other sandwich bread of similar size.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese gives better flavor than pre-grated cheese.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• For a crispier crust on the subs, toast the rolls slightly longer under the broiler but watch carefully to avoid burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Italian turkey meatball subs, turkey meatball sandwiches, baked meatballs, Italian sandwich recipe, easy meatball subs