Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Philly Cheese Meatball Hoagies?
These hoagies are a fusion dish that combines the classic Italian meatball sub with the flavors of a Philadelphia cheesesteak, featuring meatballs, sautéed peppers, onions, and melted cheese.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need olive oil, a green bell pepper, a small onion, garlic powder, ground pepper, frozen fully cooked meatballs, Cheez Whiz, mozzarella or American cheese, and hoagie rolls.
How many hoagie rolls does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 individual hoagie sandwiches.
What type of meatballs should I use?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce package of frozen fully cooked meatballs for convenience.
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use homemade meatballs, but ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the skillet with the vegetables.
How long does it take to cook the meatballs in the skillet?
The frozen meatballs should be cooked in the skillet for 13-14 minutes until they are heated through.
How should the green bell pepper be prepared?
The green bell pepper should be cut into thin strips before being sautéed.
What is the best way to slice the onion?
The recipe recommends using one small onion that is thinly sliced.
What kind of cheese sauce is used?
The recipe specifically uses warmed Cheez Whiz to provide that authentic Philly flavor.
Can I substitute the Cheez Whiz?
While Cheez Whiz is traditional for this style, you could use a homemade cheese sauce or extra slices of American cheese if preferred.
What sliced cheeses are recommended for topping?
Mozzarella cheese or white American cheese slices are the recommended choices for topping the hoagies.
How do I prepare the hoagie rolls?
The hoagie rolls should be split open and warmed before you spoon the meatball mixture into them.
Are there any suggested optional sauces?
Yes, you can drizzle the sandwiches with ketchup or barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
How do I season the vegetables?
The green peppers and onions are seasoned with garlic powder and ground pepper to taste during the sautéing process.
Can I use a different color bell pepper?
Yes, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers if you prefer a sweeter flavor or different color.
How long should I sauté the peppers and onions initially?
Sauté the vegetables in olive oil for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften before adding the meatballs.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick lunch or snack recipe because it uses pre-cooked meatballs and has a short total cook time.
How much Cheez Whiz goes into the meatball mixture?
You should stir 1/2 cup of Cheez Whiz directly into the meatball and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
What do I do with the remaining Cheez Whiz?
The remaining Cheez Whiz (from the 3/4 cup total) is used to top the sandwiches after the meatball mixture has been placed in the rolls.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking?
Yes, covering the skillet helps the frozen meatballs heat through more efficiently and keeps the vegetables tender.
Can I use turkey meatballs?
Yes, turkey or chicken meatballs can be used as a substitute for beef meatballs in this recipe.
What size package of meatballs is needed?
The recipe specifies an 18-ounce package of meatballs.
Is olive oil the only oil I can use?
While olive oil is recommended, you can use any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, mushrooms or hot peppers would be excellent additions to the sautéed vegetable mixture.
How do I serve these hoagies?
Serve them hot immediately after assembly for the best taste and texture of the melted cheese.
What makes this recipe 'ultimate'?
The combination of two different types of cheese (Whiz and sliced) along with the savory sautéed vegetables elevates it above a standard meatball sub.
Can I make this recipe for a party?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'party food' and is great for feeding a group quickly.
Is it necessary to warm the Cheez Whiz first?
The recipe recommends using warmed Cheez Whiz to ensure it incorporates easily into the meatball mixture.
What kind of bread is best?
Standard hoagie rolls are best, but you can use Italian rolls or sub buns as well.
Can I use a slow cooker for this?
While this is a skillet recipe, you could adapt it for a slow cooker by combining the ingredients and cooking on low until the meatballs are hot.