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30-Minute Italian Meatball Sandwiches Recipe

4.6 from 61 reviews

This 30 Minute Meatball Sandwich recipe combines savory Italian meatballs simmered in a rich spaghetti sauce, topped with melted provolone and Parmesan cheeses. The sandwiches are garnished with fresh parsley and served on toasted hoagie rolls for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs and Sauce

  • 24 oz. spaghetti sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 24 oz. frozen Italian meatballs
  • 23 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1.5 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Butter Spread

  • 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature

Sandwich Assembly

  • 6 hoagie rolls
  • 8 oz. sliced provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter Garlic Spread: In a small bowl, mix the room temperature butter with the finely minced garlic and 1.5 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the frozen Italian meatballs. Cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they start to brown.
  3. Add Sauce and Season: Pour the spaghetti sauce over the meatballs and stir in 2 teaspoons of dried oregano. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is infused with the oregano and garlic flavors.
  4. Prepare the Rolls: While the meatballs simmer, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise and spread a generous amount of the garlic-parsley butter on the cut sides.
  5. Toast the Rolls: Place the buttered rolls cut-side down on a griddle, skillet, or under a broiler just until they are golden and toasty. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon warm meatballs and sauce onto the toasted bottom halves of the hoagie rolls. Layer the slices of provolone cheese evenly over the hot meatballs so the cheese softens and melts slightly.
  7. Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the provolone and top with additional fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch. Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls.
  8. Serve: Serve the meatball sandwiches immediately while warm and enjoy the delightful combination of savory meatballs, cheeses, and herb butter toasted bread.

Notes

  • Using frozen meatballs speeds up the preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for stronger or milder flavor.
  • Substitute hoagie rolls with any sturdy sandwich bread if desired.
  • For extra meltiness, you can briefly toast the assembled sandwiches in an oven or toaster oven before serving.
  • Leftover sauce and meatballs can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: meatball sandwich, Italian meatballs, quick meatball recipe, hoagie sandwich, provolone cheese sandwich, easy dinner, stovetop meatballs