Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs

Experience a delicious twist on a classic favorite with these Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs. Featuring lean, seasoned turkey meatballs and a luxurious, velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is the perfect blend of comfort and gourmet flavor. Nestled into perfectly toasted rolls and finished with gooey melted mozzarella, these subs offer a hearty meal that is sure to satisfy any appetite.

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The key to these sandwiches lies in the layering of flavors. By baking the meatballs first, we achieve a golden exterior that locks in the juices. Once they are simmered in the rich sauce, they absorb the garlicky, cheesy notes, ensuring every bite is flavor-packed. Toasting the rolls with a bit of olive oil prevents them from becoming soggy, creating the ideal vessel for this savory filling.

Ingredients

• For the Turkey Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
• For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (finely minced), 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, salt to taste.
• For the Subs: 4 Italian sub rolls or hoagie rolls, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley (chopped for garnish).

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Step 3

Shape the mixture into 16 even-sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden on the outside and fully cooked through.

Step 5

While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form.

Step 7

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce has thickened, then add salt to taste.

Step 8

Transfer the baked meatballs into the sauce, turning them gently to coat. Let them simmer together for 2–3 minutes.

Step 9

Preheat your broiler. Split the sub rolls and brush the interior surfaces with olive oil. Toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 10

Arrange 4 meatballs and a generous spoonful of sauce into each roll. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 11

Return the subs to the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your subs hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When mixing the meatball ingredients, use a light touch; overworking the ground turkey can result in a tougher texture. For perfectly even cooking, use a cookie scoop to portion out the meatball mixture before rolling them by hand.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or pork if desired. For a lighter sauce, you may use half-and-half or low-fat milk, and for extra nutrition, consider adding a layer of sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers inside the subs.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these subs while the cheese is still hot and stretchy. They pair wonderfully with a simple Caesar salad or a side of sweet potato fries. For an extra kick, offer some red pepper flakes on the side for guests to sprinkle over their sub.

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Whether you are looking for a satisfying family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for game day, these Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs are a guaranteed hit. The combination of savory turkey, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a professional-quality sandwich right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the rich aromas and bold flavors of this American-style classic!

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, shape and bake the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the cream sauce before assembling the subs.

→ What can I substitute for ground turkey?

Ground chicken, pork, or beef work well in this dish. Adjust cooking time slightly if using beef or pork, as they may require additional minutes to cook through completely.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly before adding milk. Pour milk gradually while whisking constantly to maintain a smooth emulsion. Avoid boiling vigorously once dairy is added.

→ Can I freeze these subs?

Assembled subs don't freeze well due to the bread texture. Instead, freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving on fresh rolls.

→ How do I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and certified gluten-free flour for the sauce. Substitute with gluten-free sub rolls or hoagie rolls. All other ingredients naturally contain no gluten.

→ What sides pair well with these meatball subs?

Simple sides balance the rich flavors well. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a light soup. Pickled vegetables also provide refreshing acidity to cut through the cream sauce.