Subway's Meatball Marinara features tender, savory meatballs smothered in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, all nestled inside a freshly baked Italian bread, creating a hearty and satisfying sandwich with a perfect blend of juicy and tangy flavors.
Equipments
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Baking tray
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or ladle
- Tongs
- Bread knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 Italian bread rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ground beef and pork blend creates tender meatballs, while breadcrumbs and egg bind for perfect texture; Parmesan cheese adds savory depth. Fresh garlic, herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley enhance the marinara's rich flavor profile. Ensure your marinara sauce is thick and well-seasoned to prevent soggy bread rolls when assembling the sandwich. Use freshly baked Italian bread for optimal softness and structure, supporting juicy meatballs and melted mozzarella. Your Meatball Marinara copycat will deliver Subway's iconic hearty blend of juicy meat and tangy tomato sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Mix until just combined.
- Form mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking tray.
- Drizzle or brush with olive oil.
- Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- When meatballs are done, transfer them into the saucepan with marinara sauce.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring gently to coat.
- Slice Italian bread rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Using tongs, place meatballs and sauce inside each roll.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place sandwiches on a baking tray.
- Toast in the oven for 2-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Remove, slice with bread knife if desired, and serve warm.
Substitution
Subway's Meatball Marinara copycat sandwich combines juicy homemade meatballs with a rich marinara sauce served on crusty Italian bread, delivering the classic taste you crave. If you don't have ground pork, you can substitute it with extra ground beef or turkey for a leaner option. When making the marinara sauce, canned crushed tomatoes can replace pre-made marinara in a pinch, allowing you to customize the seasoning to your preference. In the absence of Italian bread rolls, sturdy hoagie or sub-style buns work well to hold the sandwich together. Use your oven's broiler to melt the mozzarella cheese quickly and achieve a golden, bubbly topping.
Tips
Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to maintain tender meatballs; combining until just incorporated prevents toughness. Baking the meatballs at 400degF (200degC) ensures they cook evenly and retain juiciness while developing a slight crust. When simmering meatballs in marinara sauce, stir gently to avoid breaking them apart and allow flavors to meld fully. Using tongs to place meatballs inside the bread keeps your hands clean and helps control placement for an even sandwich build.
Nutritions
Subway's Meatball Marinara sandwich provides a balanced source of protein from the combined ground beef and pork, essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of Parmesan cheese and mozzarella adds calcium and contributes to bone health, while the marinara sauce delivers antioxidants from tomatoes, such as lycopene. The Italian bread offers carbohydrates that fuel your body with energy, but keep portion size in mind to manage calorie intake. You can enjoy this hearty meal while benefiting from its rich nutrient profile supporting overall wellness.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain flavor and freshness. Keep the Italian bread rolls separately at room temperature or in a bread box to prevent sogginess. When reheating, gently warm the meatballs with sauce in a saucepan, then toast the assembled sandwich in the oven to retain your sandwich's original texture and taste.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still provides tender meatballs with a mild flavor. You can experiment with adding finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the meat mixture to boost nutrition and moisture content. For a spicy twist, mix crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos into the marinara sauce before simmering. Your sandwich will benefit from toasting the bread separately to ensure a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the saucy meatballs.
Allergies
Subway's Meatball Marinara contains common allergens such as milk and wheat, present in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian bread rolls, which may trigger reactions in individuals with dairy or gluten sensitivities. The sandwich also includes eggs and pork, potential allergy triggers for some people. When enjoying this sandwich, you should be aware of these ingredients if you have food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
Meatball Marinara from Subway delivers savory meatballs smothered in tangy marinara sauce, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Its combination of tender meat and perfectly seasoned sauce satisfies cravings for comfort food while remaining customizable with fresh bread and toppings. You can replicate this iconic sandwich at home using simple ingredients, ensuring freshness and control over portion sizes. Making a copycat version lets you enjoy authentic taste while saving money and tailoring the recipe to your preferences.