Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsBellaBrava Bexley - Land O’LakesHousemade Meatball Grinder Recipe

Housemade Meatball Grinder Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

pomodoro sauce | fontina | pecorino | torn basil

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Meatballs

Pomodoro Sauce

Method

Meatballs

  1. 1

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Meatballs

    Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  3. 3

    Bake the Meatballs

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Pomodoro Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté the Onions and Garlic

    In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

  2. 5

    Simmer the Sauce

    Add the canned crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Grinder Assembly

  1. 6

    Assemble the Grinders

    Slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise. Place a few meatballs in each roll, then spoon over the pomodoro sauce generously.

  2. 7

    Add Cheeses and Basil

    Sprinkle the shredded fontina cheese and grated pecorino cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Top with torn basil leaves.

  3. 8

    Melt the Cheese

    Place the assembled grinders on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  4. 9

    Serve

    Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve hot with additional basil if desired.

More from BellaBrava Bexley - Land O’Lakes