Meatball Subs

I dare you to find a more delicious looking sandwich than this scrumptious, cheesy and seriously satisfying meatball sub.  There are sandwiches and then there are meatball subs.  Am I right?😄  Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, tucked inside a toasted sub roll and smothered with loads of melted cheese.  One of the messiest - and most satisfying sandwiches out there.  

I've been know to make meatball subs as a necessity - as a way to use up the leftover meatballs from my freezer.  It was more of a convenience food than an indulgence.  This recipe for Meatball Subs in Cook's Illustrated has changed my opinion on the delicious sub though.  I've started to think differently about meatball subs.  

Turns out, making homemade meatball subs is easier than I once believed.  A few simple steps and you've got yourself a scrumptious and hearty meal in under 30 minutes. 
Step 1:  Prepare the marinara sauce
Step 2:  Make and form the meatballs
Step 3:  Brown meatballs in the sauce 
Step 4:  Assemble the sandwiches
Step 5:  Cheese!  Add lots and lots of cheese - ooey. gooey, melted and browned cheese

Meatball Subs
1/4 cup panko
3 Tablespoons milk
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 pound 85% lean ground beef
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 Italian Sub rolls
8 thin slices Provolone cheese 

Combine panko and milk and mash with fork.  Let sit 10 minutes.  

Heat oil and 2 cloves garlic in skillet.  Stir in tomatoes, 1/2 t. salt, pepper flakes and sugar.  Simmer 10 minutes. 

Add beef, parmesan, egg, oregano, pepper, 1 clove garlic and 3/4 t. salt to panko mixture.  Mix gently. 

Divide mixture into 16 portions.  

Roll each portion into a ball.  

Nestle meatballs into sauce evenly.  

Place skillet under broiler and cook until browned.  (about 7 minutes)

Remove from oven, flip meatballs and broil another 7 minutes.  

Arrange rolls on baking sheet.  

Line bottom of rolls with 1 slice of cheese, cut in half.  

Add 4 meatballs to each roll.  

Spoon sauce over each sub and add more cheese.  

Broil until cheese is melted and tops are slightly browned.  

Ciao!

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