RECIPE: Mushroom Meatball Sub (Pork/Beef)

Introduction:

Dive into the world of hearty flavors with this Mushroom Meatball Sub, where juicy, savory meatballs meet the umami-rich goodness of mushrooms. This twist on the classic meatball sub incorporates mushrooms for a deeper flavor and a tender texture, all nestled in a crusty sub roll and smothered in a vibrant marinara sauce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a casual dinner, this dish is bound to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Mushroom Meatballs:
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup mushrooms (such as cremini or button), finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sub:
  • 4 sub rolls, sliced open but still attached on one side
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped mushrooms, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
5. Warm Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Assemble Subs: Brush the inside of the sub rolls with olive oil and place them in the oven for 5 minutes, or until slightly crispy. Remove the rolls from the oven, place a generous amount of meatballs in each roll, and spoon over the warm marinara sauce.
7. Add Cheese and Bake: Top each sub with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Myco-Tip:

Incorporating mushrooms not only adds flavor and moisture to the meatballs but also boosts the nutritional profile with extra fiber and minerals. For a vegetarian version, consider using a mix of chopped mushrooms and lentils in place of the meat.

Enjoy your Mushroom Meatball Sub—a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that promises to satisfy even the most voracious of appetites.