Meatball Sub
We don't need unlimited choices to make decisions that are right for us.
Beyond the Ingredients
Why This Recipe Matters
A Meatball Sub is a familiar sandwich with a surprisingly flexible approach. You can make the meatballs from scratch or use ones that are already prepared. The marinara can be homemade or store-bought. You can choose provolone, mozzarella, or a combination of both, and add herbs or other toppings according to your preferences.
Each of those decisions changes something about how the sandwich is made, but the end result remains familiar. There are choices to make, even though the basic ingredients and structure of the sandwich remain largely the same.
Life doesn't always offer us unlimited possibilities. Our circumstances, responsibilities, resources, and experiences can place real limits on the options available to us. We may not be able to change everything about a situation, even when we wish we could.
But having fewer choices doesn't mean having no choices at all.
The options available to us can also change from one day to the next. We may have the time, energy, or resources to approach something one way today, only to find that tomorrow requires something different. A decision that works well for us now may not be practical under different circumstances, and that's okay.
We can recognize what is beyond our control without overlooking the decisions that remain ours to make. We can choose where to invest our time, how much effort we're able to give, when to ask for assistance, or which available approach best fits our needs.
Making a different choice doesn't mean we're moving backward or that our previous decision was wrong. It means we're responding to the circumstances we're facing rather than holding ourselves to expectations that may no longer fit.
The Takeaway
We may not always have control over the options life gives us, and those options may change along the way. What matters is recognizing the choices available to us today and allowing ourselves the freedom to make different choices when tomorrow calls for them.
What You Need
Ingredients
Serves 2–3 sandwiches
How to Make It
Directions
- 1
Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- 2
Mix gently with your hands just until everything is combined — overmixing makes tough meatballs.
- 3
Roll the mixture into balls about 1½ inches wide (roughly golf ball–sized). You should get about 12 meatballs.
- 4
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning every 2–3 minutes, until browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes.
- 5
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
- 6
Preheat your broiler on high.
- 7
Place the split hoagie rolls on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- 8
Spoon meatballs and sauce generously onto each roll and lay cheese slices on top.
- 9
Return to the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 10
Serve immediately, with extra sauce for dipping if desired.
From the Kitchen
Small Things That Matter
Mix the meatball mixture gently and as little as possible — overworking it makes them dense and tough
Wet your hands slightly before rolling — it keeps the mixture from sticking and gives smoother meatballs
Brown the meatballs in the skillet first before adding sauce; that crust holds them together and adds flavor
Watch the broiler closely at the end — cheese goes from perfect to burnt in under a minute
Variations & Additions
Make It Yours
- Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for meatballs with a richer, more complex flavor
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara while it simmers for a little heat
- Tuck in some sautéed green peppers or mushrooms alongside the meatballs for extra texture
- Try a blend of provolone and mozzarella on top — two cheeses are always better than one
Watch It
Watch It Being Made
Video courtesy of The Pioneer Woman/Food Network
This video may not follow our recipe exactly. Ingredients, amounts, or steps can differ a little. Use it as a guide to see the techniques in action, and follow the recipe on this page for the details. All videos
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