Lincoln Park Meatball Sub Sandwich
Juicy homemade meatballs nestled in toasted sub rolls with marinara and melted cheese, a classic Italian-American favorite. This italian-american-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 12 oz ground beef, 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1 large egg, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; mix gently until combined, then form into 12 meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Step 2: Place meatballs in a single layer in a baking dish and pour 1/2 cup marinara sauce over them; bake for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
- Step 3: Split each sub roll lengthwise, toast cut sides in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden. Place 1 provolone slice on each roll bottom, top with 3 meatballs and 1/4 cup baking sauce, then cover with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella; broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lincoln Park Meatball Sub Sandwich take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lincoln Park Meatball Sub Sandwich?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lincoln Park Meatball Sub Sandwich?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lincoln Park Meatball Sub Sandwich for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lincoln Park Meatball Sub Sandwich?
Italian-American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner—flavorful and quick to assemble.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids devoured these meatballs.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, but took longer to cook than the recipe said.
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