Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

Introduction

These Italian Turkey Meatball Subs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Tender turkey meatballs simmered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese make for a comforting, flavorful sandwich perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lbs ground turkey
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 onion (finely diced)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic (pressed)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp milk
• 4 sub rolls (6 inch)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add parmesan, egg, onion, parsley, garlic, milk, and olive oil. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb the wet ingredients.
3. Step 3: Add ground turkey to the mixture and blend evenly, using your hands if needed. Form into 2-inch meatballs.
4. Step 4: Place meatballs on a greased cookie sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 25-35 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165˚F).
5. Step 5: Cut sub rolls in half. Spread 1 tbsp butter, sprinkle 1/4 tsp garlic salt and some mozzarella on each roll. Broil in the oven for 2-4 minutes until cheese melts and edges brown.
6. Step 6: Spoon marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each roll. Add 4 meatballs per sandwich, top with more sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake sandwiches at 350˚F for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and heated through.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed fennel seeds or fresh basil to the meatball mix.
• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
• Use provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
• Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze before baking for quick meals later.

Storage

Store leftover meatball subs wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted. For longer storage, freeze the assembled sandwiches wrapped in foil for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or use a commercial egg replacer to help bind the mixture.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. The meatballs should be firm and no longer pink inside.

Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

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4.5 from 84 reviews

Delicious Italian Turkey Meatball Subs featuring homemade turkey meatballs baked to perfection, smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled in toasted buttery sub rolls. A hearty, comforting sandwich perfect for an easy dinner or game day meal.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp milk

Subs

• 4 sub rolls, 6 inch
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375˚F to prepare for baking the turkey meatballs.
2. Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add parmesan cheese, egg, diced onion, parsley, and pressed garlic. Pour in milk and olive oil, then mix all ingredients well and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the dry ingredients to absorb moisture.
3. Add the ground turkey: Incorporate the ground turkey into the mixture thoroughly, preferably using your hands for even mixing. Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
4. Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs spaced evenly on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F, ensuring they are fully cooked.
5. Prepare the sub rolls: Cut the sub rolls in half. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each half, sprinkle with garlic salt, and add a bit of mozzarella cheese. Place the rolls under a high broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread edges turn golden brown.
6. Assemble the subs: Spoon marinara sauce on the bottom half of each roll. Arrange 4 meatballs on top, spoon 1/4 of the remaining sauce over the meatballs, and sprinkle each sandwich with 1/4 of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake the assembled subs: Place the sandwiches in the oven at 350˚F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the sandwiches are heated through.
8. Garnish and serve: Add chopped parsley on top for garnish if desired. Serve the meatball subs hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian turkey meatball subs!

Notes

• Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165˚F for safety.
• You can substitute ground chicken for turkey if preferred.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
• Leftover subs store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Keywords: Italian turkey meatballs, meatball subs, turkey sandwich, baked meatballs, marinara, mozzarella sub, homemade sub sandwich