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Meatball Sandwich with Marinara Sauce and Melted Cheeses Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Meatball Sandwich featuring tender homemade beef meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, layered with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses inside a warm, crusty baguette. This sandwich combines a blend of Italian-inspired herbs and spices for a satisfying, comforting meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 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

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
  • Half-empty tomato tin filled halfway with water

Sandwich Assembly

  • 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. Prepare the Marinara Sauce: Place a pan on medium heat and add the olive oil. Add sliced garlic and onions, frying gently for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Herbs and Tomatoes: Stir in paprika, mixed dry herbs, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Fry the mixture for a further 3 minutes to release flavors.
  3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tinned tomatoes and add water using the empty tomato tin filled halfway. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  4. Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine beef mince, bread crumbs, nutmeg, salt, pepper, sugar, and chilli flakes. Mix and knead thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is cohesive.
  5. Form Meatballs: Divide the mixture into approximately 15 equal portions. Roll each portion into a round meatball approximately 1 inch in diameter for uniform cooking.
  6. Cook Meatballs: Heat a frying pan on medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the meatballs carefully and fry for 4 minutes on each side to brown them. If the meatballs are not fully cooked through, transfer them to a preheated oven at 160°C fan and bake on a tray for about 7 minutes to finish cooking.
  7. Preheat Oven and Grill: While meatballs cook, preheat the oven to 160°C fan. Prepare the grill setting for later use.
  8. Warm the Baguette: Slice the baguette horizontally but not completely through. Place it on a tray and warm in the oven for 5 minutes until slightly toasted.
  9. Assemble the Sandwich: Remove warmed bread from the oven, open carefully, and spread 2 tablespoons of the marinara sauce onto the bottom half. Arrange 4-7 meatballs on top, then add half the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly.
  10. Grill the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich under the grill for approximately 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and developed a golden crust.
  11. Finish and Serve: Remove from the grill, sprinkle grated parmesan and fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful, cheesy meatball sandwich.

Notes

  • Simmering the marinara sauce longer than 15 minutes can deepen the flavor.
  • If cooking all meatballs in the pan is difficult, finish them in the oven to ensure they are cooked through without burning.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley for garnish to add a fresh note to the sandwich.
  • You can substitute beef mince with a mix of beef and pork for a juicier meatball.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • The baking and grilling steps ensure the sandwich stays warm and the cheese melts perfectly.

Keywords: meatball sandwich, marinara sauce, beef meatballs, Italian sandwich, cheesy sandwich, comfort food

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/meatball-sandwich-with-marinara-sauce-and-melted-cheeses-recipe/