Meatball Sandwich with Marinara and Melted Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This meatball sandwich is a hearty and comforting meal that combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese all nestled in a warm baguette. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a satisfying treat that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 500g pack of beef mince
• 1 tbsp bread crumbs
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp mixed dry herbs
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tin tomatoes
• 1 small baguette, sliced in half
• 1/2 tbsp grated cheddar
• 1/2 mozzarella ball
• 1 tsp grated parmesan
• A little handful of parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: For the marinara sauce, place a pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the sliced garlic and red onion for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in the paprika, mixed dry herbs, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then add the tin of tomatoes along with half a can filled with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
3. Step 3: For the meatballs, combine beef mince, bread crumbs, nutmeg, salt, pepper, sugar, and chilli flakes in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly and knead until no loose bits remain.
4. Step 4: Divide the mixture into about 15 equal portions and roll each into a ball approximately 1 inch in diameter.
5. Step 5: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Fry the meatballs gently, turning frequently, for about 4 minutes per side. If they aren’t cooked through, transfer them to a baking tray and bake at 160°C fan for an additional 7 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 160°C fan and prepare the grill.
7. Step 7: Slice the baguette horizontally, leaving it hinged. Place it on a tray and warm in the oven for 5 minutes at 160°C fan.
8. Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and open it. Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce inside, arrange 4 to 7 meatballs on top, then add half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese each.
9. Step 9: Place the sandwich under the grill for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden.
10. Step 10: Remove from the grill, sprinkle with grated parmesan and parsley, then serve immediately and enjoy your hearty meatball sandwich.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of mixed dry herbs for a brighter flavor.
• For a spicier sandwich, add extra chilli flakes to the meatball mix or marinara sauce.
• Try swapping beef mince for a mix of pork and beef for a richer taste.
• Add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce when simmering for deeper flavor complexity.
• Toast the baguette lightly before assembling for extra crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The assembled sandwich is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 160°C until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for longer storage.

What cheese works best in this sandwich?

Mozzarella and cheddar melt well and provide a nice balance of creaminess and sharpness, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese like provolone or gouda.

Meatball Sandwich with Marinara and Melted Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

This hearty Meatball Sandwich recipe features flavorful beef meatballs cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich homemade marinara sauce, layered with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses inside a warm, crusty baguette. Topped with grated parmesan and fresh parsley, this sandwich makes a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 500g beef mince
• 1 tbsp bread crumbs
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

For the Marinara Sauce

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp mixed dry herbs
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tin tomatoes (400g)
• Half empty tomato tin filled with water (about 200ml)

For Assembly

• 1 small baguette, sliced in half
• 1/2 tbsp grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 mozzarella ball
• 1 tsp grated parmesan
• A small handful of parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce: Place a pan on medium heat and add olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and onions and fry for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in paprika, mixed dry herbs, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar, frying for another 3 minutes to release the flavours.
3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the tinned tomatoes and add half a tin of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to develop a rich sauce.
4. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine beef mince, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, salt, pepper, sugar, and chilli flakes. Mix and knead thoroughly until the mixture is uniform with no loose meat.
5. Form Meatballs: Divide the mixture into about 15 equal parts and roll each into a 1-inch diameter ball.
6. Cook Meatballs on Stovetop: Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs gently for 4 minutes on each side until browned. If needed, finish cooking them through in a preheated oven at 160°C (fan) for about 7 minutes.
7. Set Meatballs Aside: Remove the cooked meatballs from the pan and set them aside while preparing the sandwich assembly.
8. Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan). Slice the baguette lengthwise, not completely through. Place it on a tray and warm in the oven for 5 minutes.
9. Assemble the Sandwich: Remove the bread from the oven, open it up, and spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the base. Add 4 to 7 meatballs, then distribute half the mozzarella and half the cheddar cheese over the meatballs.
10. Grill Cheese Topping: Place the assembled sandwich under the grill for about 5 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned golden.
11. Finish and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the grill, sprinkle grated parmesan and parsley on top, then serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meatball sandwich.

Notes

• You can finish cooking meatballs in the oven if they are not fully cooked after frying to ensure they are cooked through.
• Simmering the marinara sauce longer will enhance the flavors—feel free to simmer for 30 minutes or more if time allows.
• Use a fan oven for consistent and even heat during baking and grilling steps.
• Adjust the number of meatballs in the sandwich depending on your preference and bread size.
• For extra flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano to the marinara sauce.

Keywords: meatball sandwich, homemade marinara sauce, beef meatballs, melted cheese sandwich, comfort food, easy sandwich recipe