Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

Ground turkey: A lean protein that forms the base of the meatballs.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and gives them structure.

Beaten egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.

Minced garlic: Adds a robust flavor to the meatballs.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor of the meatballs.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the meatballs.

Sub rolls: The bread that holds the meatballs, sauce, and cheese.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that complements the meatballs.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the meatballs, adding a creamy texture.

When forming the meatballs, use slightly damp hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. This will help you create evenly sized meatballs and ensure they cook uniformly.

• ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to ground turkey.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar binding effect and texture in meatballs.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mixing flaxseed meal with water creates a gel-like consistency that can act as a binder in place of eggs.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile when fresh garlic is not available.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs that can complement the flavors in the meatballs.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the taste of the meatballs.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• split sub rolls - Substitute with whole wheat rolls: Whole wheat rolls provide a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.

• warmed marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce offers a different but equally delicious flavor profile for the meatball subs.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a similar mild flavor, making it a good alternative to mozzarella.

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the marinara sauce separately in a sealed container. This keeps the sub rolls from becoming too soggy.
• For short-term storage, refrigerate the meatballs and marinara sauce for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from clumping together.
• Freeze the marinara sauce in a separate freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• When ready to use, thaw the meatballs and marinara sauce in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Warm the marinara sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
• Assemble the subs with reheated meatballs, warmed marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
• For a fresh taste, consider toasting the sub rolls in the oven for a few minutes before adding the meatballs and marinara sauce.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the subs in aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Microwave Method: Place the subs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bread soggy.

• Stovetop Method: If you prefer a slightly crispy bread, this method is for you. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Wrap the subs in aluminum foil and place them in the skillet. Cover with a lid and heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the subs on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the bread's crispiness while ensuring the meatballs and cheese are thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Wrap the subs in aluminum foil and place them in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method gives a nice, crispy finish to the bread.

• Oven: Used to bake the meatballs and melt the cheese on the subs.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the formed meatballs for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and marinara sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: Used to mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to mince the garlic.

• Whisk: Used to beat the egg.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

• Tongs: Used to place the meatballs into the sub rolls.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the mozzarella cheese if not pre-shredded.

• Serving platter: Used to serve the finished turkey meatball subs.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop garlic and measure out breadcrumbs and seasonings the night before.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Save time by using store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.

Form meatballs quickly: Use a small ice cream scoop to ensure uniform meatballs and speed up the process.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you mix the meatball mixture to save time.

Assemble subs efficiently: Lay out sub rolls and have cheese ready to go before the meatballs are done baking.