Mini Meatball Subs: Bite-Sized Bliss for Any Occasion

Mini meatball subs are the perfect appetizer, party snack, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner. These bite-sized bundles of flavor are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure your mini meatball subs are a guaranteed hit.

Why Mini Meatball Subs?

There are so many reasons to love mini meatball subs! Here are just a few:

* **Perfect Portion Size:** They’re ideal for appetizers, parties, or lunchboxes.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love anything mini, and these are no exception.
* **Easy to Eat:** No messy, oversized sandwiches to deal with.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them for future use.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

**For the Meatballs:**

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)
* 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, but adds richness)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

**For the Subs:**

* 1 package (12-18) mini sub rolls or slider buns
* 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Olive oil (for brushing)
* Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh basil

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Small saucepan
* 9×13 inch baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the most delicious mini meatball subs:

**Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork (if using). Make sure they are evenly distributed.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using).
3. Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be just combined.

**Step 2: Form the Mini Meatballs**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking.
3. Using a small spoon or your hands, form the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for roughly the same size, so they cook evenly.
4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

**Step 3: Bake the Meatballs**

1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
2. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the marinara sauce.

**Step 4: Heat the Marinara Sauce**

1. Pour the marinara sauce into a small saucepan.
2. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat, if desired.

**Step 5: Assemble the Mini Meatball Subs**

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven.
2. Place the baked meatballs into the saucepan with the warmed marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball evenly with the sauce.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Slice the mini sub rolls or slider buns in half horizontally, without cutting all the way through. Brush the inside of each bun with a little olive oil. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.
5. Place the bottom halves of the buns in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Using a slotted spoon, place 3-4 meatballs (depending on the size of your buns) onto each bottom half of the bun. Try not to add too much sauce at this stage, to avoid soggy buns.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and buns.
8. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheesy meatball mixture.

**Step 6: Bake the Mini Meatball Subs**

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake the mini meatball subs in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted.
3. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the buns to get a little more golden brown.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Remove the mini meatball subs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or additional red pepper flakes, if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed immediately.

Tips for Perfect Mini Meatball Subs

* **Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture:** Overmixing will result in tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ground beef, pork, cheese, and marinara sauce, the better your meatball subs will taste.
* **Pre-Cook the Meatballs:** Baking the meatballs ensures they are cooked through and prevents them from being greasy. You can also pan-fry or air-fry them, but baking is generally the easiest and healthiest option.
* **Use a Slotted Spoon:** When transferring the meatballs to the buns, use a slotted spoon to drain off excess sauce. This will prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Overfill the Buns:** Adding too many meatballs or too much sauce will make the subs difficult to eat and can cause them to fall apart.
* **Warm the Marinara Sauce:** Warming the marinara sauce before adding the meatballs helps the flavors meld together better.
* **Customize the Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Toast the Buns:** Brushing the inside of the buns with olive oil and toasting them slightly will help prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Keep an eye on the meatball subs while they are baking and adjust the baking time as needed, depending on your oven.
* **Make Ahead:** The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before using.
* **Sauce Variety:** Consider different sauces such as pesto, alfredo, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a unique twist.
* **Add Veggies:** Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the meatball mixture for added nutrients and flavor.

Variations and Additions

The beauty of mini meatball subs is that they are incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* **Spicy Mini Meatball Subs:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.
* **Cheesy Mini Meatball Subs:** Use a blend of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
* **Garlic Bread Mini Meatball Subs:** Use garlic bread rolls instead of plain mini sub rolls.
* **Vegetarian Mini Meatball Subs:** Use vegetarian meatballs made from lentils, beans, or vegetables.
* **Hawaiian Mini Meatball Subs:** Add pineapple chunks and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
* **Pizza Mini Meatball Subs:** Top with pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
* **Buffalo Chicken Mini Meatball Subs:** Use ground chicken instead of beef, and toss the meatballs in buffalo wing sauce.
* **BBQ Mini Meatball Subs:** Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Mini meatball subs are a great appetizer or party snack, but they can also be served as a light meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve them alongside a salad or soup.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve them with a side of pasta or roasted vegetables.
* **For Game Day:** They’re perfect for watching sports with friends and family.
* **For Lunchboxes:** They make a fun and easy lunch for kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before using. The marinara sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Storage:** Leftover mini meatball subs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate)

* Calories: 250-350 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

Recipe Card: Mini Meatball Subs

**Yields:** 12-18 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 pound ground pork (optional)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
* 1 package mini sub rolls or slider buns
* 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Olive oil
* Optional toppings: Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, basil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix gently.
3. Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch). Place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan.
6. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and coat evenly.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Slice sub rolls in half horizontally. Brush with olive oil.
9. Place bottom halves in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Add 3-4 meatballs to each bun bottom.
11. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
12. Top with bun tops.
13. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Remove foil last 5 minutes to brown buns.
14. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, basil, or red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm.

Conclusion

Mini meatball subs are a fun, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy some bite-sized bliss!