Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsDonnell's Kitchen & LoungeClassic Meatball Recipe

Classic Meatball Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Satisfy your craving with our Classic Meatball Sandwich—savory meatballs topped with marinara sauce, provolone, and Romano cheese. A deliciously comforting choice!

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Sandwich Assembly

Method

Meatballs Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.

  2. 2

    Form Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  3. 3

    Cook Meatballs

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Marinara Sauce Preparation

  1. 4

    Saute Garlic

    In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  2. 5

    Add Tomatoes and Season

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.

  3. 6

    Simmer Sauce

    Bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

  4. 7

    Finish with Basil

    Stir in fresh chopped basil just before serving.

Sandwich Assembly

  1. 8

    Prepare Sub Rolls

    Slice the sub rolls open, being careful not to cut all the way through.

  2. 9

    Assemble Sandwiches

    Place meatballs on the bottom half of each sub roll, spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs, and top with provolone and Romano cheese.

  3. 10

    Melt Cheese

    Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  4. 11

    Serve

    Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

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