Introduction
As a busy mom, finding time to prepare meals that are both quick and satisfying can often feel like a juggling act. Between work, school activities, and the daily hustle of family life, dinner should be a delicious escape rather than another source of stress. That’s where my Busy Mom’s Skillet-Garlic Meatball Sub Bites come in!
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delectable dish that combines the familiar comforts of a classic meatball sub with the convenience of a skillet meal. Bursting with flavor from zesty garlic, seasoned meatballs, and gooey melted cheese, these bite-sized delights are perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family gathering. Plus, you can easily customize them to suit your family’s tastes!
Get ready to whip up a meal that not only satisfies hungry mouths but also allows you to savor precious moments spent together at the dinner table. Grab your skillet, and let’s go!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 small sub rolls or slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 20-24 meatballs.
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- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides.
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- Pour the marinara sauce over the cooked meatballs and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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- While the meatballs are simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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- Slice the sub rolls or slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon a few meatballs onto the bottom half of each roll, ensuring some sauce is included.
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- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each meatball sub.
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- Bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6
Key Ingredients
- Ground Meat: 1 pound (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (preferably Italian seasoned)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1 large (for binding the meatballs)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (fresh or dried)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Marinara Sauce: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Sub or Hoagie Buns: 4 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (for topping)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)
These key ingredients come together to create quick and delicious meatball sub bites that are perfect for busy evenings!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to bake your meatball sub bites.
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Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will also help with easy cleanup.
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Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice), breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
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Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, portion out the meat mixture and roll it into bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
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Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and have a nice golden brown color. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball; it should read 165°F (74°C).
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Prepare the Bread: While the meatballs are baking, slice open your sub rolls and place them on another baking sheet. You can lightly brush them with olive oil and sprinkle some garlic powder for extra flavor.
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Add Sauce and Cheese: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in your favorite marinara sauce. Then, place the saucy meatballs on the sub rolls, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add any additional toppings like fresh basil or sliced jalapeños.
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Final Bake: Return the assembled meatball subs to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly toasted.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the meatball sub bites from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your savory, gooey, and satisfying Busy Mom’s Skillet-Garlic Meatball Sub Bites, all made in 30 minutes!
Serving Suggestions
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Crunchy Side Salad: Pair your meatball sub bites with a fresh, crunchy side salad. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty bites.
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Sweet Potato Fries: For a nutritious and satisfying side, serve the meatball sub bites with oven-baked sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness compliments the savory meatballs perfectly.
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Garlic Parmesan Air-Popped Popcorn: For a fun appetizer or side, whip up some air-popped popcorn tossed with garlic powder and grated Parmesan. It’s a light, airy snack that kids and adults alike will love!
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Classic Potato Chips: Keep it simple with a side of classic potato chips. The salty crunch pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the meatball sub bites.
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Dipping Sauces: Enhance your meal by providing various dipping sauces on the side. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli can add an extra layer of excitement.
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Fruit Skewers: Add a touch of sweetness by serving fruit skewers alongside. Simple combinations like melon, pineapple, and strawberries can provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
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Mini Caesar Salad Cups: Make individual servings of Caesar salad using sturdy romaine leaves as cups. This adds a fun twist to your meal and keeps the salads nice and crisp.
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Cheesy Garlic Bread: Elevate the experience with some cheesy garlic bread on the side. It’s great for soaking up any extra sauce and adds an indulgent touch.
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Vegetable Platter: Offer a colorful platter of fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers with hummus or a yogurt dip for a healthy snack option.
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Beverage Pairing: Don’t forget the drinks! Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or for adults, a light beer or a glass of red wine, which pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the meatballs.
These suggestions will help round out your meal and ensure that both kids and adults leave the table satisfied! Enjoy your busy mom’s skillet-garlic meatball sub bites with these delightful pairings.
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these delicious Skillet-Garlic Meatball Sub Bites, making them the perfect solution for busy evenings when time is tight but flavor is non-negotiable. These bite-sized delights are not only easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch of savory garlic goodness, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike. Serve them up as a quick dinner option, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings. With minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction, these meatball sub bites are sure to become a staple in your busy weeknight rotation. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that the whole family will love!
