Name: Monster 2-Foot Italian Sub: Mega Meatballs, Tangy Marinara, and Melted Mozzarella
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ lb ground pork; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2-foot-long sub roll or baguette; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional toppings: sliced olives, jalapeños, fresh basil

Description

The Monster Italian Sub is the ultimate indulgence for sandwich lovers. Packed with juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, this 2-foot-long sandwich is perfect for sharing at family dinners, parties, or casual get-togethers. It’s bold, flavorful, and designed to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, this sandwich is the one you’ve been waiting for.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sub

2-foot-long sub roll or baguette
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: sliced olives, jalapeños, fresh basil

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Once the mixture is ready, shape it into large meatballs (about 2-3 inches in diameter).

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes until they have a nice crust. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, as they’ll continue cooking in the marinara sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the pan with the browned meatballs. Stir the sauce to coat the meatballs, and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 4: Prepare the Sub Roll
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the 2-foot-long sub roll lengthwise, leaving one side of the bread intact. This will make it easier to assemble and slice the sandwich after baking.

Step 5: Assemble the Sub
Place the cooked meatballs in the sub roll, making sure to spread them evenly along the length of the bread. Pour the marinara sauce with the meatballs into the sub, making sure the sauce is spread over the entire sandwich. Top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese, generously covering the meatballs.

Step 6: Bake the Sub
Place the assembled sub on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is lightly toasted. This is when the magic happens—your sub will transform into a gooey, cheesy, comforting masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the sub from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice. Cut the sub into manageable portions, add your favorite toppings like fresh basil or olives, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

How to Serve the Monster Italian Sub

This massive sub can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get the most out of your Monster Italian Sub:

As a Party Centerpiece: The size of this sub makes it perfect for parties and gatherings. You can slice it into individual portions for guests, or let them dig in directly for a more interactive experience.
With a Side Salad: Pair this sub with a fresh salad, such as Caesar or arugula, to balance the richness of the sandwich. The crispness of the greens provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy sub.
For Game Day: Cut the sub into smaller sections, making it an ideal snack for a game-day spread. Add some chips or fries on the side, and you’re set!
With Roasted Vegetables: To make the meal even more substantial, serve the sub with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. These will add some lightness and flavor to complement the richness of the sub.
For a Family Dinner: This sub is perfect for a shared family meal. Slice it into sections and serve with your favorite sides for a hearty and satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.

How to Store and Reheat the Monster Italian Sub

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—you can store and reheat them with ease:

Refrigeration: Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the sandwich is properly wrapped to avoid drying out.
Freezing: If you want to store it longer, wrap the sub tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the sub in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sub in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp again. If reheating individual slices, you can also microwave them, though the bread won’t be as crispy.

Tips for Making the Perfect Monster Italian Sub

Here are a few tips to ensure your Monster Italian Sub turns out perfect every time:

Use Fresh Bread: A good sub roll or baguette is key to making this sandwich truly epic. It should be fresh and sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart. Look for a hearty, slightly crusty bread that will hold up against the sauce and cheese.
Don’t Overcook the Meatballs: While browning the meatballs is important for flavor, don’t overcook them. They will finish cooking in the sauce, so make sure to leave them a bit undercooked when you first brown them.
Layer Evenly: When assembling the sub, distribute the meatballs and sauce evenly along the bread. You want to ensure that every bite has a balanced mix of meatballs, sauce, and cheese.
Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, don’t be afraid to add more. A combination of mozzarella and provolone will give the sandwich an extra layer of flavor and make it even cheesier.
Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to the marinara, or switch to a spicy marinara variety. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses, like a sharp cheddar or even ricotta, for a different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked meatballs?
Yes, pre-cooked meatballs work well in this recipe. Just heat them in the marinara sauce before assembling the sub.

2. How can I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich. You can also brush the bread with olive oil before baking it.

3. Can I freeze the Monster Italian Sub?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sub. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwich and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just bake it before serving to melt the cheese and toast the bread.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4-6

Keywords: Monster Italian Sub