Meatball Parmesan Sub with Pesto

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Ingredients
Serving Size: 2 subs
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup milk
Olive oil for frying
For the Pesto:
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 lemon, squeezed
Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Sub:
4 Italian sub rolls (or hoagie rolls)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
12 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the milk and mix until everything is well combined.
Shape the mixture into 12-16 meatballs, depending on your desired size.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
Make the Pesto:
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, lemon, Parmesan, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Sub:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the sub rolls in half, but don't slice all the way through—leave them hinged. Place the rolls on a baking sheet.
Place 3-4 meatballs on the bottom slice of bread, depending on the size of your rolls.
Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs and layer with 4 slices of mozzarella.
Bake the Sub:
Place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is toasted.
Serve:
Remove the meatball subs from the oven and spread a spoonful of pesto on top side of bread and sprinkle meatballs with parmesan cheese. garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect combination of savory meatballs, cheesy goodness, tangy marinara, and fresh pesto!

Juicy, tender meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella are nestled in a soft, toasted sub roll. The bold, fragrant pesto adds a fresh, herby burst of flavor that perfectly complements the savory richness of the meatballs and cheese. Every bite is a harmonious blend of Italian flavors, from the garlicky pesto to the melty cheese and hearty meatballs, making this sub a mouthwatering, unforgettable treat
meatball, sandwiches, sub, parmesan


