Italian Meatball Subs

Ingredients

• Ground beef (1 pound)
• Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Marinara sauce (2 cups)
• Sub rolls (4, preferably crusty)
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded)
• Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
6. Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully add them to the marinara sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, taking care not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
8. Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each sub roll, filling them generously.
9. Top each filled sub with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil, and serve immediately.