Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these irresistible Meatball Sandwiches that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in golden hoagie rolls, smothered in a luxurious tomato cream sauce, blanketed with melted mozzarella, and finished with a vibrant pesto drizzle. This isn't just a sandwich—it's a flavor-packed journey through Italian-inspired comfort food that promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-14 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F), approximately 10-12 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, combine tomato sauce and heavy cream. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Split hoagie rolls lengthwise and lightly toast them until edges are golden brown.
- Place cooked meatballs into the tomato cream sauce, gently coating each meatball.
- Arrange meatballs inside each toasted hoagie roll, then top generously with additional sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and place sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and drizzle each sandwich with pesto before serving immediately.
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: For the most tender meatballs, mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat, which can make them tough.
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety while maintaining juiciness.
- Cheese Melting Technique: For perfectly melted mozzarella, place sandwiches close to the top broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Bread Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality hoagie rolls that can hold up to the sauce without becoming soggy.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, making assembly quick and easy on busy nights.
- Pesto Pro Tip: Use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for the most authentic and vibrant flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 130mg
