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Easy Cheesy Crockpot Meatball Subs Recipe Perfect for Quick Family Dinners

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Tender meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese, served in soft sub rolls. Perfect for quick, comforting family dinners with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
  • ⅓ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten (room temperature)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 4–6 soft sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • 1½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves or extra parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1½-inch (4 cm) meatballs, about 16 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  4. Pour about ½ cup (120 ml) of sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking. Arrange meatballs in a single layer, then pour remaining sauce evenly over them.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) for toasting the subs.
  7. Slice sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spoon meatballs and sauce generously into each roll. Top with ¼ cup (40-45 g) shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  8. Place assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and plant-based milk. Brown meatballs in a skillet before crockpot cooking for extra flavor (optional). Avoid lifting crockpot lid during cooking to retain heat. Toast rolls lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball subs, crockpot meatballs, cheesy meatball sandwich, easy family dinner, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/easy-cheesy-crockpot-meatball-subs-recipe-perfect-for-quick-family-dinners/