Mama's Meatball Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop features tender homemade meatballs smothered in savory marinara sauce, topped with melted provolone cheese and nestled in a warm, toasted hoagie roll, delivering a hearty and flavorful Italian classic.
Equipments
- Meatball scoop or portioner
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese slicer/shredder
- Oven (convection or toaster type)
- Baking tray or sandwich press
- Tongs
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Hoagie roll holder/tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Using fresh, high-quality ground beef is essential for tender meatballs, and Italian breadcrumbs help achieve the perfect texture while absorbing flavors. Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese significantly enhance the meatball's savory profile by adding aromatic and umami notes. Marinara sauce should be rich and flavorful; you can make it from scratch or select a high-quality jarred variety for convenience. Toast your hoagie rolls before assembling to ensure they remain sturdy and avoid sogginess when layered with sauce and melted provolone cheese. You can recreate Mama's Meatball Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop copycat menu with these carefully selected ingredients for an authentic taste.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Portion mixture into equal-sized meatballs using a meatball scoop.
- Place meatballs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes or until cooked through.
- Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Transfer cooked meatballs into the warmed marinara sauce.
- Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise using a bread knife.
- Place open rolls on a tray and lightly toast in oven until just golden.
- Arrange meatballs (3–4 per sandwich) into each toasted hoagie roll.
- Spoon extra marinara sauce over meatballs.
- Top each sandwich with 2 slices provolone cheese.
- Place assembled sandwiches back in oven or under a broiler until cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Remove from oven using tongs and transfer to a hoagie roll holder or tray.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Substitution
Mama's Meatball Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop copycat menu captures the rich flavors of traditional Italian comfort food with tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted provolone cheese in a toasted hoagie roll. Ground turkey or pork can be used as a substitute for ground beef if preferred or to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture in the meatballs. When fresh parsley is unavailable, dried Italian seasoning provides a similar herby profile without altering the dish significantly. Toasting the hoagie rolls before assembly enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the marinara sauce. You can adapt cooking methods by using a sandwich press instead of an oven for quicker melting of the cheese and a crispy exterior.
Tips
Precise portioning of the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs using a meatball scoop ensures uniform cooking and prevents some from drying out while others remain undercooked. Mixing the beef blend just until combined keeps the meatballs tender rather than dense or tough. Toasting the hoagie rolls briefly before assembling enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the marinara sauce. When melting the provolone cheese under the broiler, closely monitor to avoid burning and achieve a bubbly, golden finish.
Nutritions
Mama's Meatball Sandwich provides a balanced source of protein from 1 lb of ground beef and calcium from provolone and Parmesan cheeses. The Italian breadcrumbs and hoagie rolls contribute carbohydrates that fuel your energy needs, while fresh parsley and garlic add vitamins and antioxidants. Marinara sauce offers lycopene, a powerful antioxidant beneficial for heart health. Your meal's calorie content varies but generally supports a hearty and satisfying diet.
Storage
Store leftover Mama's Meatball Sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Refrigerate your sandwiches promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days to ensure food safety and optimal flavor. For reheating, use an oven or toaster oven at 350degF (175degC) until the cheese is melted and the meatballs are heated through, preserving the sandwich's hearty texture.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still holds flavor. You can replace provolone cheese with mozzarella or fontina to add a creamier texture and a milder taste. Consider adding sauteed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the marinara sauce for an extra layer of richness and complexity. Toasting your hoagie roll in a sandwich press instead of the oven enhances crispness and creates appealing grill marks for a more artisanal presentation.
Allergies
Mama's Meatball Sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy in the provolone cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk, as well as eggs in the meatball mixture. The hoagie rolls contain gluten, which can trigger allergic reactions for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Be sure to inform the staff of any allergies to ensure your meal is safe and enjoyable.
Why this recipe?
Mama's Meatball Sandwich from Potbelly Sandwich Shop delivers a rich blend of Italian-seasoned meatballs, melted provolone cheese, and zesty marinara sauce on a toasted, buttery hoagie roll. This hearty sandwich offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that resonate with comfort food lovers. You'll appreciate the balance of savory meatballs and tangy sauce, making it a standout menu item worth replicating at home. Crafting a copycat version allows you to enjoy this beloved classic anytime, customizing ingredients to match your personal taste preferences.