Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs

Short Description

Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs are a hearty, comforting meal featuring tender meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, nestled in toasted sub rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This slow-cooked delight is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Utilizing a slow cooker simplifies the cooking process, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for family dinners, game nights, or meal prepping for the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe with your preferred meats, sauces, and cheeses.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare in bulk and freeze portions for future quick meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground Italian sausage
• Lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Milk
• Marinara sauce
• Sub or hoagie rolls
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground Italian sausage, lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, eggs, and milk. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Form the Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 24 equal portions and shape each into a meatball.
3. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place half of the meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker and cover with half of the marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining meatballs and sauce.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Prepare the Subs: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place sub rolls on a baking sheet, fill each with three meatballs, spoon additional sauce over the top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake: Bake the assembled subs for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly toasted.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 subs
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes

Variations

• Meat Choices: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Cheese Options: Use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for added heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meat substitutes and ensure the sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep bread and cheese separate to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Assemble subs and bake as directed.

FAQs

How can I prevent the sub rolls from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, toast the sub rolls before assembling the sandwiches. This creates a barrier that helps maintain the bread’s texture.

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, store-bought meatballs can be used for convenience. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce.

Is it possible to cook the meatballs in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then, simmer them in marinara sauce on the stovetop for added flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the subs when ready to serve.

What sides pair well with meatball subs?

Complement the subs with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or potato chips for a complete meal.

How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meat mixture, or by incorporating finely chopped onions and garlic.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or sauce to achieve the desired level of spiciness.

Is it necessary to use both ground beef and Italian sausage?

Using both adds depth of flavor, but you can use just one type of meat based on preference or dietary restrictions.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meat mixture and opt for gluten-free sub rolls.

Can I cook the meatballs on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through, then simmer them in marinara sauce for 15-20 minutes before assembling the subs.

Conclusion

Crockpot Italian Meatball Subs offer a delightful combination of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled in a toasted sub roll. This recipe’s simplicity and versatility make it a go-to choice for satisfying meals that can be tailored to various preferences and dietary needs. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these subs are sure to impress.

Sources

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