Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs

Featured in: Everyday Suppers

These satisfying subs feature juicy turkey meatballs seasoned with parsley, oregano, and Parmesan, baked until golden then simmered in a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. The meatballs are nestled into butter-toasted sub rolls and topped with melted mozzarella for a hot, comforting handheld meal. The combination of tender meatballs, velvety sauce, and crispy bread creates perfect textures in every bite.

Updated on Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:44:44 GMT
Golden-baked turkey meatballs in rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted sub roll and garnished with fresh parsley. Pin It
Golden-baked turkey meatballs in rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted sub roll and garnished with fresh parsley. | hyperflavors.com

These Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs are the ultimate comfort food, featuring juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and served in toasted sub rolls for a truly satisfying and flavorful sandwich.

Golden-baked turkey meatballs in rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted sub roll and garnished with fresh parsley. Pin It
Golden-baked turkey meatballs in rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted sub roll and garnished with fresh parsley. | hyperflavors.com

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This main dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, offering a gourmet twist on a classic sub that is easy to prepare in just 50 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • For the Turkey Meatballs
  • 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • For Assembly
  • 4 soft sub rolls (about 6 inches each)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3.
Shape mixture into 16 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4.
Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
5.
While meatballs bake, prepare the garlic Parmesan cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
6.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
7.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
8.
When meatballs are done, transfer to the sauce and gently toss to coat.
9.
Preheat oven broiler. Split sub rolls and spread insides with softened butter. Place on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and broil 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.
10.
Arrange 4 meatballs with sauce in each roll. Sprinkle with mozzarella and broil another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11.
Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the meatballs stay tender, avoid overmixing the turkey mixture. When making the cream sauce, whisk in the milk slowly to maintain a smooth, lump-free texture.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute ground chicken for turkey if desired. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the garlic-Parmesan sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these hot meatball subs with a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Toasted sub rolls filled with four juicy garlic-Parmesan turkey meatballs, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh green parsley. Pin It
Toasted sub rolls filled with four juicy garlic-Parmesan turkey meatballs, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh green parsley. | hyperflavors.com

Each sub provides 38g of protein and 570 calories, making it a hearty and filling meal option that the whole family will love.

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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 them in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the cream sauce before assembling the subs.

What other ground meat works well?

Ground chicken creates a lighter alternative, while ground beef or pork offer richer flavor. Maintain the same quantities and cooking times regardless of meat choice.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Bake and cool the meatballs completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep heat at medium or lower when adding milk and cheese. Whisk constantly and avoid boiling the sauce once dairy is added. Remove from heat immediately after cheese melts.

What sides pair well with these subs?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Roasted vegetables, potato wedges, or a simple tomato soup also complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and certified GF sub rolls. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the sauce preparation.

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Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs

Tender turkey meatballs in rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce on toasted rolls with melted mozzarella

Time to Prep
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Total Duration
50 min
Created by Aria Brooks

Dish Type Everyday Suppers

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Serving Size

Dietary Notes None specified

What You'll Need

Turkey Meatballs

01 1 lb ground turkey
02 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 large egg
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 1 1/4 cups whole milk
05 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 Salt to taste

Assembly

01 4 soft sub rolls, 6 inches each
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare baking surface: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, avoiding overworking the mixture.

Step 03

Form and arrange meatballs: Shape mixture into 16 equal meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.

Step 04

Bake meatballs: Bake meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

Create cream sauce base: While meatballs bake, melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 06

Thicken sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk while stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 07

Finish cream sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 08

Coat meatballs: Transfer baked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 09

Toast sub rolls: Preheat oven broiler. Split sub rolls and spread softened butter on insides. Place on a baking sheet with buttered side up and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Step 10

Assemble and melt cheese: Arrange 4 meatballs with sauce into each toasted roll. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each sub and broil for another 1 to 2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

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What You Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Oven and broiler
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Be sure to check every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, reach out to a health specialist.
  • Contains wheat from breadcrumbs, sub rolls, and all-purpose flour
  • Contains milk from cheese, butter, and whole milk
  • Contains eggs
  • Check all ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if serving to those with allergies

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Value: 570
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 38 g

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