Food Friday: Pepperoni Meatball Sub Sandwiches

Did you notice that Subway recently introduced these as their newest sandwich? When I saw the commercial for them I kinda giggled to myself because my husband would always get the meatball sub and ask them to add pepperoni. He recently asked if I could make them for dinner, and they turned out super awesome! I'm not usually a big meatball fan, but these were great and super easy. Try the meatballs with spaghetti too, you won't be sorry. :)

Pepperoni Meatball Sub Sandwich

1 batch of meatballs sliced in half (recipe follows)
1 can of your favorite marinara sauce (or 2 cups of homemade sauce), heated
1-2 packages hoagie sandwich buns, or desired sandwich bread (french bread "subs" would be awesome!)*
1 package pre-cooked pepperoni
1 can sliced olives, optional
Parmesan cheese, optional

Begin assembling the sandwiches by placing a layer of pepperoni along the bottom piece of bread.
Add a layer of olives if desired.
Next, place as many meatball halves as will fit side by side (about 3 or 4 on a normal hoagie) on top of the pepperoni and olives if using.
Ladle the heated sauce over the meatballs.
Sprinkle on some parmesan or shredded mozzarella, and top with the top piece of bread.
Now EAT!

*If you like your bread toasted, spread some butter on the insides and place under the broiler for a few minutes before assembling your sandwich.

Italian Meatballs
Recipe Adapted from Big Jim's Meatballs on Food Network.com

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 TB garlic powder
1 1/2 TB Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl with hands until well mixed. Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of golfballs. Place in a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and check to make sure they're thoroughly cooked. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven, and allow the meatballs to rest (sit on the counter/stove) for 15 minutes. Drain remaining grease and serve as desired.



Have a fantastic weekend! :)