Turkey Meatball Subs
There is something homey and comforting about sub sandwiches full of meatballs, classic red sauce, and a bit of melty cheese. These turkey meatballs by Giada De Laurentiis are a favorite for making the sandwiches in our house.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Course: Main Dish, Poultry
Servings: 4
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
For the meatballs:
- 1/4 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 3/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or use the recipe below)
For the sandwiches:
- 4 sandwich rolls
- olive oil, for brushing over rolls
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- fresh-grated parmesan cheese
Turn on the oven’s broiler. In a large bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and 3/4 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the meat mixture into bite-size balls.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving or turning the meatballs until brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and brown the other side, about 3 minutes longer. Continue to cook until all the sides are golden brown. Add the Marinara Sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the flavors blend, about 5 minutes.
Place sliced sandwich rolls, cut-side up on a large baking sheet. Brush them with olive oil. Top the rolls with meatballs and sauce. (If the meatballs threaten to roll off the bread, create a crater for them by gently tearing out some of the bread in the space where the meatballs will sit.) Place 2 slices of provolone on top of each sandwich and top with fresh-grated parmesan. Place under the broiler just until the cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.