Slow-Cooked Meatball Subs with Mozzarella
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these Slow-Cooked Meatball Subs! Juicy and flavorful meatballs made with lean ground beef and a blend of seasoning are simmered in a rich spaghetti sauce, creating a delightful filling for soft, crusty rolls. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese that melts perfectly, these subs are an ideal choice for lunch, snacks, or game day gatherings. Serve them with a side of chips or a fresh salad for a complete meal that family and friends will love. This easy crock pot recipe allows you to prepare the meatballs ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days. Enjoy the warm, inviting aromas wafting from your kitchen as these meatball subs come together effortlessly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (raw)
dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (regular)
finely chopped onions or onion powder
2 tablespoons or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (fresh or powdered)
salt
1 teaspoon (regular)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (regular)
egg
1 (beaten)
Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
spaghetti sauce
1 (32 ounce) jar (ready to use)
sub rolls or hot dog buns
6-8 (for serving)
mozzarella cheese
to taste (sliced or shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions (or onion powder), salt, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2
Shape the mixture into approximately 30 uniform 1-inch meatballs. For ease, consider using food prep gloves.
3
To cook the meatballs, you have three options: bake them in an ungreased 13x9x2 inch pan at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned; microwave them in an ungreased baking dish on High for 6 minutes, turning once; or pan-fry over medium heat in a skillet, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes until browned.
4
After cooking the meatballs, transfer them into the crock pot and pour the entire jar of spaghetti sauce over them. Set the crock pot to low and cook for about 2 hours, stirring every hour if left to cook longer for even more flavor.
5
When ready to serve, take the meatballs and sauce from the crock pot and fill each sub roll or hot dog bun generously. Top with sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese to your liking.
6
For an alternative method, you can add the raw meatballs directly into the crock pot with the sauce and let them cook on low for 8+ hours. Calculate cooking time according to your schedule.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Slow-Cooked Meatball Subs with Mozzarella?
They are juicy meatballs made from lean ground beef and seasonings, simmered in spaghetti sauce, and served on rolls with melted mozzarella.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of lean ground beef.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 30 uniform meatballs.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meatballs should be shaped into 1-inch rounds.
What ingredients are needed for the meatball mixture?
You will need lean ground beef, dry breadcrumbs, onions or onion powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, one egg, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
One 32-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce is needed.
What are the three ways to pre-cook the meatballs?
You can bake them in the oven, cook them in the microwave, or pan-fry them in a skillet.
How do I bake the meatballs?
Bake them in an ungreased 13x9x2 inch pan at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
How long do the meatballs cook in the microwave?
Cook them on High for 6 minutes, turning once during the process.
How do I pan-fry the meatballs?
Pan-fry them over medium heat in a skillet for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.
How long do pre-cooked meatballs need to be in the crock pot?
Cook them on low for about 2 hours once combined with the sauce.
Can I cook raw meatballs in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add raw meatballs directly to the sauce and cook on low for 8 or more hours.
What type of bread should I use?
You can use sub rolls or hot dog buns for serving.
What kind of cheese is recommended for topping?
Sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese is recommended to melt over the subs.
How much Parmesan cheese is added to the meat?
One tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the meatball ingredients.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onions?
Yes, you can use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder instead of 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Is an egg required for the meatball mixture?
Yes, one beaten egg is used as a binder for the meatballs.
How much salt should I add?
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the meat mixture.
Should I stir the meatballs while they are in the crock pot?
If cooking longer than 2 hours, it is recommended to stir every hour for even flavor distribution.
What is the best way to shape the meatballs easily?
Using food prep gloves can make shaping the 30 meatballs easier and cleaner.
What are good side dishes for these subs?
They are great served with a side of chips or a fresh green salad.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, these subs are an ideal choice for game day gatherings and parties.
How many servings does the recipe provide?
The recipe yields enough filling for 6 to 8 sub rolls or buns.
What setting should I use on the slow cooker?
The slow cooker should be set to the low heat setting.
Can these meatballs be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the easy crock pot method allows for convenient ahead-of-time preparation.
Is it okay to overmix the meat?
No, you should mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid making the meatballs too dense.
How much breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
What is the total preparation time for the baking method?
Baking takes 20-25 minutes, followed by 2 hours in the slow cooker.
Can I use any type of mozzarella?
Yes, you can use either sliced or shredded mozzarella based on your preference.