Turkey Meatball Sub
When it comes to sandwiches, few things satisfy us quite like a meatball sub. But for those looking to lighten up this beloved classic without sacrificing flavor, the turkey meatball sub is a delicious alternative. The juicy turkey meatballs are combined with garlic and shallots and seasoned with a blend of basil, parsley, and oregano which infuse the meat with rich herbs while keeping it light and moist.
No meatball sub would be complete without a generous helping of marinara sauce. The sauce used in a meatball sub is typically a classic marinara—bright, tomatoey, and infused with notes of basil, oregano, and a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can use store-bought marinara or try my Simple Marinara Sauce recipe. It’s this sauce that partly defines the sub, lending a moist texture and robust flavor that soaks into the bread just slightly.
Finally, this turkey meatball sub features a hearty topping of mozzarella or provolone cheese, which is melted under a broiler to create a stretchy, gooey layer that blankets the meatballs in creamy goodness. Furthermore, the choice of bread is crucial. A good turkey meatball sub is built on a sturdy yet soft hoagie roll, ciabatta roll, or crusty baguette. The bread should have enough heft to hold up to the sauce and fillings without disintegrating, yet it should be light enough to bite through easily, with a slight crispness that gives way to a soft interior.
To create this sub, the meatballs are placed evenly along the length of the bread, each bite planned to ensure a perfect meat-to-sauce ratio. The marinara sauce is ladled over the meatballs, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese. The final step is a quick trip under the broiler, where the cheese melts into bubbly perfection, culminating in a sandwich that's both visually appealing and so tasty!
Turkey Meatball Sub
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean
- ½ cup bread crumbs or panko
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or try my Simple Marinara Sauce recipe)
- 4 hoagie rolls, ciabatta rolls, or a french baguette
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- parmesan cheese, grated
- parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs or panko, garlic, shallot, egg, parsley, basil, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shape into 24 meatballs approximately.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until simmering. Add the meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You do not want to overcrowd the pan, so cook in batches.
- Meanwhile, spread garlic butter inside each roll. Heat broiler and broil rolls until golden, about 3 minutes.
- Arrange rolls on a baking dish. Place about 4 meatballs in each roll and top with sauce and cheese.
- Broil 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with grated parmesan and fresh grated parsley. Serve with additional sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy!
