Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and experience the epitome of comfort food with this irresistible recipe for Slow Cooker Meatball Subs. Picture juicy, homemade meatballs, simmered to perfection in a rich and flavorful marinara sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, and loaded with umami goodness. Then, imagine these mouthwatering meatballs nestled in a bed of melty cheese, and sandwiched between soft, crusty rolls that have absorbed all the savory goodness from the slow cooker. The result? A truly sublime and satisfying meal that will make your taste buds sing!
What sets this recipe apart is the convenience of using a slow cooker. As the meatballs and marinara sauce cook low and slow, the flavors meld together, creating a sauce that’s rich, thick, and bursting with umami goodness. The slow cooking process also ensures that the meatballs turn out incredibly tender, allowing the flavors to fully infuse into every bite.
These Slow Cooker Meatball Subs are perfect for entertaining, game day gatherings, or simply as a comforting family meal. Plus, the leftovers make for a fantastic next-day lunch option. With just a little prep work, you can let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create meatball subs that are packed with flavor and sure to impress. From making the perfect meatball mixture to simmering it in a homemade marinara sauce, to assembling the subs with cheese and rolls, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your slow cooker, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will warm your heart and fill your soul with its irresistible flavors. Let’s dive into the world of Slow Cooker Meatball Subs and experience the ultimate comfort food like never before!
Table of Contents
INGREDIENTS
Meatballs
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 lb. Italian sausage
1 lb. lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
1 24oz. jar marinara
Subs
8 buns or rolls
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella ($0.62)
INSTRUCTIONS
Lightly whisk two large eggs in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the Italian sausage and ground beef to a large bowl with the whisked egg, breadcrumb mixture, and milk Use your hands to mix the ingredients together. Avoid overmixing the meat.
Divide and shape the meat into 24 meatballs, about 3 Tbps each. The easiest way to do this is to first divide the meat mixture into four equal portions, then divide each of those in half to make eight equal portions. Finally, divide each of the 8 portions of meat into thirds and shape them into balls to make 24 meatballs.
Place half of the meatballs in the bottom of a slow cooker in a single layer and cover with half of the marinara sauce. Add the rest of the meatballs then top with the remaining sauce.
Cook the meatballs on high for three hours or low for six hours.
After cooking, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached 165°F. Give the meatballs and sauce a good stir to remix the sauce (there will be some fat pooling on the surface).
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the buns on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, then pile three meatballs into each bun. Spoon some of the extra sauce over each one. Top each sub with a little shredded cheese.
Bake the meatball subs in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the buns are toasty. Enjoy hot!