"Subway" Meatball Marinara

This homemade meatball marinara sub is designed to capture the exact comfort and familiarity of a classic fast-food favorite, with a focus on softness, balance, and rich flavor. Tender, juicy meatballs are gently seasoned and kept moist using a breadcrumb soak, then simmered in a smooth, slightly sweet marinara that mirrors the signature taste profile you’d expect.

Ingredients

• Meatballs (soft, tender, fast-food style)
• 500g ground beef (or beef + pork mix)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (fine, not coarse)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp finely minced onion (optional, for authenticity)
  

Marinara Sauce (Subway-style = smooth, slightly sweet)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (key for that Subway taste)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  

Assembly

Soft white sub rolls (Italian-style, fluffy—not crusty)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: Parmesan, oregano sprinkle

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Mix breadcrumbs + milk → let soak 2 minutes (this keeps them soft).
Add beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic, and seasoning.
Mix gently (don’t overwork or they’ll be dense).
Roll into small balls (about golf-ball size).

Tip: Subway meatballs are small and uniform, not large rustic ones.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Bring your Grillstream to 200°C, then cook for 12–15 minutes, turning the balls as needed. Ensure internal temperature is around 75°C by using a probe. You want them just cooked through, still soft.

Step 3: Make the Marinara

Heat olive oil, and sauté garlic briefly in a pan. Add tomatoes + tomato paste. Stir in sugar + herbs. Simmer 10–15 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Add cooked meatballs to pan and stir with the sauce. Simmer gently for 10 minutes. This step is critical—the flavour comes from soaking in the sauce.

Assembly (In Order)

Slice sub roll (hinged, not cut through)
Add 4–6 meatballs with plenty of sauce
Top with shredded mozzarella
Optional: sprinkle Parmesan + oregano
Melt & Finish
Toast on your warming rack at ~180°C for 5 minutes