The Delicious Cast Iron Meatball Marinara Sub is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the richness of Italian flavors in a classic American-style sandwich. This recipe combines homemade meatballs, simmered in marinara sauce, and served on warm, toasted bread with gooey melted cheese, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Background and Inspiration
The meatball sub has a beloved place in American cuisine, though its origins are deeply rooted in Italian immigrant traditions. Meatballs, or “polpette,” have long been a staple in Italian cooking, traditionally enjoyed as a main course rather than in a sandwich. However, when Italian immigrants arrived in America, they adapted their recipes using locally available ingredients, leading to the creation of Italian-American classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and, of course, the meatball sub.
The meatball marinara sub became popular in American delis and sandwich shops during the mid-20th century, particularly in regions with a strong Italian-American presence, such as New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The simplicity of the dish, combined with its hearty flavors, made it an instant favorite.
This cast iron version of the meatball sub elevates the dish by utilizing a cast iron skillet to develop intense flavor. Cast iron skillets retain and distribute heat evenly, ensuring the meatballs develop a beautiful crust before being enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. By baking everything together in a single pan, the flavors meld together, creating a deeply satisfying bite.
Key Components of This Recipe
- The Meatballs: This recipe uses a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, delivering both richness and a hint of spice. The addition of bread crumbs, egg, dried oregano, basil, garlic, and onion powder enhances the depth of flavor while ensuring the meatballs maintain a tender, juicy texture.
- The Marinara Sauce: Once the meatballs are seared to perfection, they are simmered in a savory marinara sauce. Whether you choose to make a homemade marinara or use a store-bought version, the sauce infuses the meatballs with a robust, tangy tomato flavor.
- The Bread: The beauty of a meatball sub is its versatility. You can opt for a crusty French baguette for a satisfying crunch, a soft hoagie roll for a more traditional sub experience, or even lightly toasted hotdog buns for a convenient option.
- The Cheese: No great meatball marinara sub is complete without melted cheese. The final touch of adding mozzarella cheese in the skillet just before serving ensures a gooey, irresistible texture that brings the entire sandwich together.
Serving and Enjoyment
This meatball marinara sub is perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or even meal preps. The recipe provides a rustic, indulgent experience that can be enjoyed alone or with classic side dishes like garlic bread, a simple green salad, or a side of crispy fries.
Ultimately, this cast iron meatball marinara sub is not just a recipe—it’s a homage to the comforting, heartwarming meals that bring people together. Give it a try, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your home!
Delicious Cast Iron Meatball Marinara Sub
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (minced beef)- 1 pound Italian sausage (American name for Pork Sausage with Fennel Seeds) - ground
- 1 medium egg
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil - dried
- ½ teaspoon garlic - granulated
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix and assemble meatballs by combining the meat, egg, bread crumbs and spices. I made use of an ice cream scooper to make them all the same size.
- Place the meatballs in a pre-heated cast iron skillet brown on each side for about 10 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Once browned on both sides, drain any oil, pour your marinara sauce directly in the cast iron skillet over the meatballs.
- Bake with the bread at 400 degrees for 20 to 22 minutes. For the last 5 minutes, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese in the skillet.
