Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon salt
24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
8 hot dog buns
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- If making homemade meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well.
- Roll into 24 meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and brown evenly on all sides.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in marinara sauce, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until meatballs reach 160°F.
- If using frozen meatballs: Heat marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add frozen meatballs, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until heated through.
- While meatballs cook, arrange hot dog buns on a baking sheet. Position oven rack 6 inches below broiler and preheat broiler.
- Place 3 meatballs in each bun, spoon marinara over top, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based meatballs.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or jalapeños for more spice.
- Switch up the cheese with provolone, cheddar, or parmesan.
- Toast buns before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broil
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
