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Juicy Turkey Meatball Sub Sandwiches Recipe Easy Homemade Marinara

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These juicy turkey meatball subs with homemade marinara sauce offer a lighter, flavorful twist on classic meatball sandwiches. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they combine tender turkey meatballs with a rich, fresh sauce and melty cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean, but a bit of fat is okay for juiciness)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for marinara)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for marinara)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns (soft but sturdy; ciabatta works well too)
  • 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional but recommended)
  • Butter or olive oil for toasting the rolls

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Shape the mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add browned meatballs to the marinara sauce, nestling them gently. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, stirring gently once or twice, until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter or brush olive oil on the sub rolls and toast cut-side up on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until crisp but not hard.
  8. Assemble the subs by scooping meatballs and sauce onto each toasted roll. Top with a slice of cheese and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  9. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Browning the meatballs adds flavor and texture. Simmer gently in sauce to retain juiciness. Toast rolls to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs and rolls accordingly. For dairy-free, omit parmesan and cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatball sub, homemade marinara, easy meatball sandwich, quick dinner, healthy meatballs, turkey recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/juicy-turkey-meatball-sub-sandwiches-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara/