Meatball Grinder

3.8
(5)

Meatball grinders are perfect for game day. Tender meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce, then loaded into hoagie rolls and topped with mozzarella cheese.

2
Prep Time:
1 hr
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
4 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • Meatballs:

  • 1 cup soft bread crumbs

  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage

  • 1 cup prepared marinara sauce

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 cup olive oil for frying

  • 1 cup prepared marinara sauce

  • Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 serrano pepper, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons Marsala wine

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • Assembly:

  • 4 Italian-style hoagie buns, split lengthwise

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese, divided

  • ¼ cup garlic basil spread (see footnote for recipe link)

  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil, divided

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).

  2. Combine soft bread crumbs, dry bread crumbs, and milk in a large bowl and allow to soak until the bread crumbs absorb most of the milk, about 10 minutes. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, 1 cup marinara sauce, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes and mix until thoroughly combined. Form into 16 large meatballs.

  3. Heat 1 cup olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes.

  4. Bring 1 cup marinara sauce to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cooked meatballs and heat through, about 5 minutes.

  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir onion, red bell pepper, and serrano pepper in the hot oil until onion softens, 5 to 6 minutes. Add Marsala wine, salt, and black pepper; cook until wine has evaporated and onion turns golden, about 10 minutes.

  6. Spread each hoagie bun with 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese and 1 tablespoon garlic basil spread. Place four meatballs and a spoonful of marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle each sandwich with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

  7. Place sandwiches onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and buns are toasted, about 5 minutes. Top each sandwich with 1/4 of the onion mixture; garnish each sandwich with 2 tablespoons of basil and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.

Tips

Here's the recipe for Garlic Basil Spread.

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

986 Calories
61g Fat
65g Carbs
45g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 986
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 61g 78%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Cholesterol 189mg 63%
Sodium 1790mg 78%
Total Carbohydrate 65g 23%
Dietary Fiber 5g 19%
Total Sugars 13g
Protein 45g 89%
Vitamin C 24mg 27%
Calcium 580mg 45%
Iron 6mg 33%
Potassium 726mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

You’ll Also Love