A meatball sandwich with marinara sauce is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any meal. This classic Italian-American favorite combines tender, flavorful meatballs drenched in rich marinara sauce, all nestled within a soft, fresh ciabatta bun. Topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this sandwich is sure to bring a taste of Italy to your table.
The main ingredients for this recipe are Italian-style meatballs, marinara sauce, ciabatta hamburger buns, and parmesan cheese. While these ingredients are usually available in most households, you may need to visit your local supermarket for specific items such as Italian-style meatballs and ciabatta hamburger buns. These are essential to giving the sandwich its unique and authentic flavor.
Ingredients for Meatball Sandwich with Marinara Sauce
Italian-style meatballs: These are round, bite-sized pieces of meat that have been seasoned with Italian spices. They provide the main protein for this dish.
Marinara sauce: This is an Italian tomato sauce that includes ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It adds a tangy and rich flavor to the sandwich.
Ciabatta hamburger buns: These are a type of Italian white bread that is soft and chewy. They are the ideal choice for this sandwich because they can soak up the marinara sauce without becoming soggy.
Parmesan cheese: This is a hard, granular cheese that originates from Italy. It adds a sharp, savory flavor to the sandwich.
One reader, Dionis Starr says:
The meatball sandwich with marinara sauce was a delightful surprise! The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the marinara sauce was the perfect balance of tangy and savory. The ciabatta buns were soft yet sturdy, holding everything together perfectly. It was a satisfying and delicious meal that I would definitely recommend!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Meatball Sandwich
How to bake the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
How to simmer the marinara sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer.
How to assemble the meatball sandwich: Place the baked meatballs and simmered marinara sauce on the ciabatta buns and top with parmesan cheese.
How to serve: Enjoy the delicious meatball sandwich!
How To Make Meatball Sandwich with Marinara Sauce
The sharp, sour taste of the marinara sauce provides a well-rounded flavor to the meatballs. Top your meatball sandwich with generous amounts of the sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 32ozGreat Value® Italian-Style Meatballs
- 3cupsmarinara sauce
- 4Marketside® Ciabatta Hamburger Buns
- parmesan cheese,freshly grated, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer.
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Place the meatballs and sauce on the ciabatta buns and top with Parmesan.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 789.84kcal
- Fat: 49.87g
- Saturated Fat: 17.90g
- Trans Fat: 2.69g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 21.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.86g
- Carbohydrates: 35.97g
- Fiber: 4.45g
- Sugar: 13.57g
- Protein: 45.88g
- Cholesterol: 164.99mg
- Sodium: 1189.31mg
- Calcium: 166.94mg
- Potassium: 1297.31mg
- Iron: 7.38mg
- Vitamin A: 74.41µg
- Vitamin C: 4.51mg
Insider Tip for Elevating Your Meatball Sandwich Game
To ensure your meatballs are cooked evenly, consider turning them halfway through the baking time. This will promote even browning and prevent them from getting too crispy on one side. Additionally, simmering your marinara sauce before adding the meatballs allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your sandwich.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Meatball Sandwich
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Use pre-made: Consider using pre-made meatballs and marinara sauce to cut down on cooking and prep time.
Multi-task: While the meatballs are baking, use that time to prep the ciabatta buns and set the table for a quick and efficient meal.
Keep it simple: Stick to basic ingredients and flavors to streamline the cooking process and minimize prep time.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of meatballs and marinara sauce and freeze the extra portions for future use, saving time on meal prep in the long run.
Substitute Ingredients For Meatball Sandwich with Marinara Sauce
great value® italian-style meatballs - Substitute with homemade meatballs: Homemade meatballs can be customized to your taste and texture preferences, and you can control the quality and type of meat used.
marinara sauce - Substitute with arrabbiata sauce: Arrabbiata sauce adds a spicy kick to the sandwich, providing a different flavor profile while still offering a rich tomato base.
marketside® ciabatta hamburger buns - Substitute with homemade ciabatta rolls: Homemade ciabatta rolls can elevate the sandwich with a fresher, more artisanal taste and texture.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese offers a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan but with a slightly sharper taste, adding a unique twist to the sandwich.
How to Beautifully Present a Meatball Sandwich
Elevate the meatball sandwich: Instead of serving the meatball sandwich on a regular plate, consider using a wooden serving board or a rustic ceramic platter to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle the meatball sandwich with freshly torn basil leaves to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Arrange the sandwiches on a wooden serving board: Present the meatball sandwiches on a beautiful wooden serving board to create a visually appealing display that adds a touch of warmth and sophistication to the dish.
Drizzle marinara sauce artistically: Use a squeeze bottle or a small spoon to drizzle the marinara sauce in an artistic pattern on the plate, adding a chef-inspired touch to the presentation.
Serve with a side of mixed greens: Accompany the meatball sandwich with a side of vibrant mixed greens lightly dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced and visually appealing plate.
Use a decorative toothpick: Secure the meatball sandwich with a decorative toothpick featuring a small flag or colorful embellishment, adding a playful and refined element to the presentation.
Add a sprinkle of microgreens: Finish the dish with a delicate sprinkle of microgreens for a sophisticated and gourmet touch that enhances the overall visual appeal.
Plate with precision: Pay attention to the arrangement of the components on the plate, ensuring that each element is placed thoughtfully and with precision to create a visually stunning presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to the plate for a stunning and unexpected visual element that showcases creativity and attention to detail.
Use a slate serving platter: For a modern and sleek presentation, consider serving the meatball sandwich on a stylish slate serving platter, creating a striking contrast and highlighting the vibrant colors of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Meatball Sandwich
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.
Storing and Freezing Meatball Sandwiches: A Guide
- Let the meatball sandwich cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freeze the meatball sandwich:
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped sandwich in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat a refrigerated meatball sandwich:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and place the sandwich on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat a frozen meatball sandwich:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the sandwich from the freezer and unwrap it.
- Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the bread.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the meatball sandwich in the microwave:
- Place the unwrapped sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Note that the bread may become slightly soggy when microwaved.
How To Reheat Leftover Meatball Sandwich with Marinara Sauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover meatball sandwich in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sandwich is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will help to retain the moisture in the bread and prevent it from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier bun, you can reheat the sandwich in a toaster oven. Place the sandwich on the toaster oven rack and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the meatballs are heated through. Keep an eye on the sandwich to ensure it doesn't burn.
For a quick and easy reheat, you can use the microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the sandwich is heated through. To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, place a damp paper towel over the sandwich before microwaving.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover meatball sandwich. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwich in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sandwich is heated through and the bread is crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the sandwich is heated through and the bread is crispy. This method works best if you have a cast-iron skillet or a panini press.
Fascinating Facts About Meatball Sandwiches
Meatball sandwich with marinara sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the early 20th century. It was a popular meal among Italian immigrants in the United States and has since become a staple in many households. The combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and crusty ciabatta bread creates a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is loved by many. This dish is often enjoyed as a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with different types of meatballs and sauces to suit individual preferences.
Is Making Meatball Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this meatball sandwich with marinara sauce recipe is quite high. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option for a household. The use of Italian-style meatballs and marinara sauce provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser, earning a solid 8 out of 10 rating for its affordability and deliciousness.
Is a Meatball Sandwich Healthy or Unhealthy?
The meatball sandwich with marinara sauce recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. Here's why:
- The meatballs are likely high in saturated fat and calories, especially if they contain a significant amount of ground beef.
- Marinara sauce can be high in sodium, which may contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Ciabatta buns are made from refined flour, which lacks the beneficial fiber and nutrients found in whole grain alternatives.
- Parmesan cheese adds additional saturated fat and sodium to the dish.
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without compromising on taste:
- Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the saturated fat content in the meatballs. You can also incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutrient profile.
- Choose a low-sodium marinara sauce or prepare your own using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices. This allows you to control the amount of salt added to the dish.
- Swap the ciabatta buns for whole wheat or multigrain buns to increase the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- Use a sprinkle of parmesan cheese rather than a generous amount to minimize the saturated fat and sodium content. Alternatively, you can opt for a low-fat cheese or omit it altogether.
- Serve the meatball sandwich with a side salad or roasted vegetables to add more nutrients and balance out the meal.
Editor's Opinion: Why Meatball Sandwiches are a Crowd-Pleaser
This meatball sandwich with marinara sauce recipe is a classic comfort food that's sure to satisfy. The use of Italian-style meatballs and ciabatta buns adds a delicious twist to the traditional meatball sandwich. The baking method for the meatballs ensures a juicy and flavorful result, while the simmered marinara sauce brings a rich and savory element to the dish. The addition of parmesan cheese provides a delightful finishing touch. Overall, this recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely please anyone looking for a hearty and delicious meal.
Enhance Your Meatball Sandwich with Marinara Sauce with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Meatball Sandwiches
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Meatball Sandwich
Why trust this Meatball Sandwich with Marinara Sauce:
This recipe uses high-quality Italian-style meatballs and marinara sauce, ensuring authentic flavors. The meatballs are baked to perfection, guaranteeing a juicy and tender texture. The ciabatta buns are a delicious choice, providing a rustic and hearty base for the sandwich. The addition of parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory element, elevating the overall taste. Trust the combination of these premium ingredients to create a mouthwatering meatball sandwich that will surely satisfy your cravings.
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