Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

Introduction

Italian Turkey Meatball Subs are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, featuring lean ground turkey meatballs baked to perfection and layered with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce. This hearty sandwich is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp milk
• 4 sub rolls, 6 inch
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add parmesan cheese, egg, onion, parsley, and garlic. Pour in milk and olive oil, then mix well. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow dry ingredients to absorb the wet.
3. Step 3: Add ground turkey to the mixture and mix thoroughly, using your hands if needed, until evenly combined. Form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.
4. Step 4: Place meatballs spaced evenly on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25–35 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
5. Step 5: Slice the sub rolls in half. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on each half, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt and some mozzarella cheese. Broil on high for 2–4 minutes until cheese melts and bread edges brown.
6. Step 6: Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each roll. Place 4 meatballs on each, spoon 1/4 of the remaining marinara over the meatballs, and top with 1/4 of the remaining mozzarella.
7. Step 7: Bake assembled sandwiches at 350˚F for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and sandwiches are heated through.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey sausage instead of ground turkey for a richer flavor.
• For a spicier sub, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
• Try topping with provolone or fontina cheese for a different twist.
• Make the meatballs ahead and freeze them for quick meal prep later.

Storage

Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, but the bread may lose some crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well and will give the meatballs a richer flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed since beef can be fattier than turkey.

How can I tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165˚F. Alternatively, slice one open to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 142 reviews

These Italian Turkey Meatball Subs are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic sandwich, featuring juicy baked turkey meatballs seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce in a toasted sub roll. Perfect for a comforting dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lbs ground turkey
• 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp milk

Subs

• 4 sub rolls, 6 inch
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375˚F to get it ready for baking the meatballs.
2. Mix dry and wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Add parmesan cheese, egg, onion, parsley, garlic, then pour in the milk and olive oil. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
3. Combine with turkey. Add the ground turkey to the mixture. Use your hands if needed to thoroughly mix until even.
4. Form and bake meatballs. Shape the mixture into 2-inch balls. Place evenly spaced on a greased cookie sheet. Bake 25-35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
5. Prepare and toast subs. Cut the sub rolls in half. Spread 1 tbsp butter, sprinkle garlic salt, and mozzarella on each. Broil in oven for 2-4 minutes until cheese melts and edges brown.
6. Assemble the subs. Spoon marinara sauce on the bottom half of each roll. Place 4 meatballs per bun, spoon more sauce over meatballs, and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake assembled subs. Bake at 350˚F for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese melts and sandwiches are heated through.
8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve hot, accompanied by extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Make sure to check the internal temperature of meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Allowing the bread crumbs to soak with the wet ingredients helps produce tender meatballs.
• Broiling the buns with cheese gives a nice toasty flavor and texture.
• You can substitute turkey with ground chicken if preferred.
• Adding red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat; adjust to taste.

Keywords: Italian turkey meatball subs, turkey meatballs, baked meatball sandwich, Italian sandwich, healthy meatball subs