Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe CaféItalian Meatball Sub Recipe

Italian Meatball Sub Recipe

Inspired by The Café
Time1h
Serves4

Pomodoro sauce, banana peppers, mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, French baguette.

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Ingredients

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Meatballs

Pomodoro Sauce

Method

Meatballs

  1. 1

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, 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 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Bake the Meatballs

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Pomodoro Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

  2. 5

    Add Tomatoes and Season

    Add the canned whole tomatoes (crushing them with your hands as you add them), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. 6

    Finish the Sauce

    Stir in the chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning if necessary. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Sub Assembly

  1. 7

    Prepare the Baguette

    Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise. If desired, lightly toast the insides under a broiler for 1-2 minutes.

  2. 8

    Assemble the Sub

    Place a generous amount of Pomodoro sauce on the bottom half of each baguette. Add 3-4 meatballs on top, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced banana peppers.

  3. 9

    Melt the Cheese

    Place the assembled subs in the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  4. 10

    Serve

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

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