Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
1/2 cup (120ml) water
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Subs:
3 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have around 12-15 meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
Make the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, water, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Subs:
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through, so they open like a book.
Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
Spoon a little sauce on the bottom of each roll.
Place 4-5 meatballs in each roll.
Spoon more sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each sub.
Bake the Subs:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the rolls are crispy.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the subs from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
