Pin It 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.
Pin It What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
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
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- 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)
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.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
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.
Pin It Each sub provides 38g of protein and 570 calories, making it a hearty and filling meal option that the whole family will love.
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.