Ultimate Meatball Sub Sandwich & Mini Meatloaves Delight

Meatball Sub Sandwich (or Mini Meatloaves)

Description

The Meatball Sub Sandwich, also versatile as Mini Meatloaves, is a beloved dish in our family. This recipe is incredibly flavorful and can be enjoyed either as a hearty sandwich or as individual mini meatloaves. Perfect for lunch or as a snack, this dish promises to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re looking to make a quick, satisfying meal or something that can be easily frozen for later, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 1 1/4 lbs
• Egg: 1
• Milk: 1 1/2 cups
• Onion: 1, diced
• Salt: 1/4 tsp
• Pepper: 1 tsp
• Green peppers: 1, diced
• Flour: 1/4 cup
• Chili sauce: 2 cups
• Water: 2 cups
• Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
• Ground mustard: 1 tsp
• Rolls: 6 large, top sliced off and insides scooped out

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 413.6 kcal
• Fat: 23.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 7.8 g
• Cholesterol: 113.8 mg
• Sodium: 1291 mg
• Carbohydrates: 22.8 g
• Fiber: 4.6 g
• Sugars: 10.4 g
• Protein: 25.2 g

Instructions

1. Preparation of Rolls:

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   • Cut a thin slice off the top of each roll and set these tops aside.
   • Scoop out the bread from inside each roll, crumble 1 1/4 cups of this bread, and place the crumbs in a large bowl. Cover the rolls and set them aside for later use.

2. Making the Meatball Mixture:

   • To the bowl of bread crumbs, add ground beef, egg, milk, diced onion, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix these ingredients thoroughly and shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

3. Cooking the Meatballs:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Cook the meatballs in the hot oil for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are no longer pink in the center.
   • Once cooked, remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

4. Preparing the Sauce and Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté the diced green peppers and onions until tender. Remove these vegetables and set them aside.
   • Stir the flour into the skillet drippings until well blended.
   • Gradually add the chili sauce and water to the skillet, stirring constantly.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring continuously, for about 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
   • Stir in the brown sugar and ground mustard until fully incorporated.

5. Combining and Simmering:

   • Add the cooked meatballs, sautéed peppers, and onions back into the skillet with the sauce.
   • Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Assembling the Sandwiches:

   • Warm the hollowed-out rolls in the oven until slightly crispy.
   • Spoon the meatballs and sauce mixture into the warm rolls, distributing the filling evenly among them.
   • Replace the top slice of each roll and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

Tips

1. Choosing the Beef: For the best texture and flavor, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content, such as 80/20.
2. Uniform Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to ensure your meatballs are uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly.
3. Freezing: If you plan to freeze some of the meatballs, let them cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy twist.
2. Cheesy Meatballs: Incorporate some grated Parmesan cheese into the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Whole Wheat Rolls: For a healthier option, use whole wheat rolls instead of white rolls.
4. Mini Meatloaves: Instead of making meatballs, shape the mixture into mini meatloaves. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Additional Notes

Cooking Methods

• Stovetop: This recipe is primarily designed for stovetop cooking. However, if you prefer baking the meatballs, preheat your oven to 400°F, place the meatballs on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
• Slow Cooker: For an even more hands-off approach, after browning the meatballs, transfer them to a slow cooker, add the sauce, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: This Meatball Sub Sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of sweet potato fries.
• Drinks: Complement the savory flavors with a cold glass of iced tea or a robust red wine.

Review Highlights

With an aggregated rating of 5 stars based on 4 reviews, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Reviewers have praised its ease of preparation, delicious taste, and the versatility of serving it as a sub or mini meatloaves.

Conclusion

The Meatball Sub Sandwich or Mini Meatloaves recipe is a delightful and versatile option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal that can be adapted to various serving styles. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for family lunches, casual dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Whether you enjoy it as a classic sub sandwich or as convenient mini meatloaves, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor every bite of this flavorful creation!