The Meatball Sub from Donatos Pizza features tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and nestled in a toasted, soft hoagie roll, delivering a hearty and satisfying classic Italian sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Oven
- Sheet pan
- Ladle
- Cheese grater (if shredding mozzarella)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
- Sauce pan (for marinara, if not preheated)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
Use fresh parsley and garlic to enhance the flavor profile of your meatballs, ensuring a balanced taste with oregano, salt, and black pepper. Opt for whole milk mozzarella cheese to achieve the ideal melt and creaminess that mimics Donatos Pizza's signature meatball sub. Fresh breadcrumbs absorb moisture better than dry or seasoned varieties, helping your meatballs stay tender yet firm. Make sure your hoagie rolls are soft but sturdy enough to hold the sauce and cheese without becoming soggy. Your Meatball Sub from the Donatos Pizza copycat menu will capture the authentic taste and texture when you carefully select and prepare these ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Mince garlic and chop parsley.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined.
- Form mixture into equal-sized meatballs.
- Place meatballs on prepared sheet pan.
- Bake meatballs for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- If needed, shred mozzarella cheese.
- Once meatballs are ready, add them to saucepan with marinara and coat well.
- Place rolls on clean sheet pan.
- Fill each roll with meatballs and spoon extra sauce over top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over meatballs.
- Place sandwiches in oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Replicating the Donatos Pizza Meatball Sub at home allows you to customize ingredients to your taste and availability. If fresh mozzarella isn't accessible, shredded pre-packaged mozzarella or provolone cheese can be effective substitutes that still deliver creamy meltiness. You can swap ground beef with a blend of beef and pork for juicier meatballs or use plant-based ground options for a vegetarian-friendly version. Should you lack a hoagie roll, sturdy Italian or French bread sliced lengthwise works well to hold the hearty meatball and sauce filling. Make sure to preheat marinara sauce in a saucepan to ensure each meatball is evenly coated and warm before assembling your sub.
Tips
Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and avoid a dense texture. Use a parchment-lined sheet pan to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup after baking. When slicing hoagie rolls, cut halfway through to create a pocket without splitting the bread entirely. Keep an eye on the sandwiches in the oven during the final melt to prevent the cheese from burning.
Nutritions
Your Meatball Sub from Donatos Pizza provides a balanced source of protein from the 1 lb of ground beef and egg, essential for muscle repair and growth. The combination of marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese adds antioxidants and calcium, supporting bone health. Mozzarella cheese contributes additional protein and fat, while the hoagie roll offers carbohydrates for energy. This classic sandwich packs essential nutrients to keep you satisfied and energized.
Storage
Store any leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. To reheat, place your sandwich on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and the meatballs stay tender. Avoid freezing assembled subs as the bread may become soggy and the texture compromised.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with a mix of ground pork and veal for a richer flavor and a more tender texture. For a twist, try adding finely chopped sauteed onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture to enhance moisture and add sweetness. Replacing hoagie rolls with ciabatta or baguette can offer a crustier bite and a different sandwich experience. If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider using smoked mozzarella or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinara sauce.
Allergies
The Meatball Sub contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese), and wheat (breadcrumbs and hoagie rolls), which may cause reactions in individuals with sensitivities or allergies. If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, the hoagie rolls and breadcrumbs could pose a risk. It is important for you to carefully review the ingredients and consider any food allergies before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Donatos Pizza's Meatball Sub menu is popular for its perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs layered with melted provolone cheese and rich marinara sauce on fresh, toasted hoagie rolls. You will appreciate the bold, authentic Italian flavors and satisfying textures that create a balanced and delicious sandwich experience. Recreating the Donatos Meatball Sub at home allows you to customize ingredient quality and freshness while saving money. This iconic sub is worth making a copycat version to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal anytime without relying on delivery.