A Meatball & Mozzarella Grinder is a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich that combines juicy, homemade meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, all nestled inside a crispy hoagie roll. This Italian-American staple is the perfect comfort food, whether you're looking for a satisfying lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner. If you're searching for sub sandwich ideas, this grinder is an absolute must-try!
Meatball & Mozzarella Grinder
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine American, Italian
Large Mixing Bowl
Skillet or frying pan
saucepan
Baking sheet
Oven or broiler
Tongs
Spatula
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil for frying
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped (optional)
For the Sandwich
- 4 Italian hoagie sandwich rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter for toasting the bread
Make the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and milk. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for about 10 minutes, then add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring they absorb the flavors.
Assemble the Sandwich
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the Italian hoagie rolls open and butter the insides. Place them on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes until slightly crispy.
Place 3-4 meatballs in each roll, spoon some marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Melt the Cheese
Place the assembled grinders sandwiches Italian-style back into the oven or under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot! Pair with a side salad, potato chips, or a bowl of soup for the ultimate meal.
Best Pairings
- Drinks: A classic Italian red wine like Chianti or a cold glass of root beer.
- Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or crispy French fries.
- Dips: Extra marinara sauce for dipping or a creamy garlic aioli.
FAQs
1. What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?
A combination of ground beef and pork makes the juiciest meatballs, but you can also use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made meatballs work well. Just heat them in the marinara sauce before assembling the sandwich.
3. What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Italian hoagie rolls or sub rolls work best because they are sturdy enough to hold the sauce and meatballs without getting soggy.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Assemble and bake the sandwiches when ready to eat!
