Mama's Meatball from Potbelly features tender, seasoned meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce, nestled inside a warm, toasted hoagie roll, topped with melted provolone cheese for a hearty and flavorful sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Oven (conveyor or conventional)
- Saucepan or pot
- Ladle or spoon
- Hoagie roll slicer or bread knife
- Cheese slicer or grater (for provolone, if not pre-sliced)
- Tongs or spatula
- Baking tray or sheet (if not using conveyor oven)
- Prep table
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork to achieve the tender and flavorful meatballs characteristic of Mama's Meatball from Potbelly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley enhance the seasoning, while breadcrumbs and milk help maintain moisture and texture. Be sure to mince the garlic finely and evenly distribute the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper throughout the meat mixture to ensure balanced flavor. Marinara sauce should be rich and thick to complement the meatballs, and using provolone cheese slices that melt well will top the sandwich perfectly. Your homemade Mama's Meatball from Potbelly copycat menu will capture the hearty and savory essence of the original sandwich.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Place meatballs on a baking tray or sheet.
- Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the saucepan and simmer in marinara sauce for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Place a generous portion of meatballs and sauce inside each roll.
- Top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone cheese.
- Place sandwiches on a baking tray.
- Toast in oven until cheese is melted and bubbly (about 3–5 minutes).
- Use tongs or a spatula to remove from oven and transfer to a cutting board.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Mama's Meatball from Potbelly copycat menu offers a deliciously authentic sandwich that combines tender meatballs with a rich marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese inside a warm hoagie roll. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork mixture to make a leaner version without sacrificing flavor. If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley works well in smaller quantities to maintain the herbal notes. In case provolone cheese is not accessible, mozzarella or fontina are excellent alternatives that melt beautifully. Using a conventional oven instead of a conveyor oven requires slightly longer baking times to ensure the sandwich is heated through and the cheese is properly melted.
Tips
Ensure your meatballs are uniformly sized, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, to guarantee even cooking and avoid undercooked centers. Simmering the baked meatballs in the marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes enhances flavor infusion and keeps them moist. When slicing the hoagie rolls, cut deep enough to hold the filling but avoid slicing completely through to prevent the sandwich from falling apart. Use tongs or a spatula to handle the sandwiches after toasting, as the melted provolone cheese and hot sauce can cause burns if touched directly.
Nutritions
Mama's Meatball sandwich offers a balanced combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, with ground beef and pork providing essential amino acids that support muscle repair and growth. The marinara sauce contributes lycopene and antioxidants from tomatoes, while the provolone cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Your meal also contains dietary fiber and vitamins from the parsley and garlic, aiding digestion and immune function. This hearty sandwich delivers approximately 600-700 calories, making it a filling option for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Storage
To keep Mama's Meatball sandwiches fresh, wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring you thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, warm in a 350degF (175degC) oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain the sandwich's texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball option, maintaining flavor by adding finely chopped mushrooms or grated zucchini for moisture. Swap provolone cheese with mozzarella or fontina for a different melting texture and taste. For a spicier kick, mix crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the marinara sauce during simmering. Instead of baking the meatballs, pan-fry them briefly to develop a caramelized crust before adding them to the sauce.
Allergies
Mama's Meatball sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy from provolone cheese and Parmesan cheese, as well as eggs used in the meatball mixture. The breading includes breadcrumbs, which contain gluten, posing a risk for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease. If you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, ensure you verify alternatives or notify the restaurant prior to ordering.
Why this recipe?
Mama's Meatball menu from Potbelly Restaurant is loved for its rich, homemade flavors, tender meatballs, and perfectly seasoned tomato sauce that create a comforting and authentic Italian experience. Each sandwich features fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as freshly baked bread and melted provolone, enhancing the overall taste and texture. You will find it worth trying to make a copycat at home because it allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference while replicating the beloved savory, hearty profile of the original dish. Recreating Mama's Meatball menu gives you the satisfaction of enjoying a restaurant-quality meal fresh, made with your own choice of fresh and natural ingredients.