Easy Bell Pepper Meatball Subs Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Winner

Bell peppers craft ordinary meatball subs into a culinary adventure that sparks excitement at first bite.

These vibrant vegetables bring remarkable depth and zesty character to a classic comfort food favorite.

Robust and slightly sweet, bell peppers infuse substantial flavor into traditional sandwich recipes with remarkable ease.

Hearty meatballs nestled within soft, crusty bread create a delightful textural contrast that tantalizes taste buds.

Crafting this recipe requires minimal kitchen expertise, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

The combination of tender meat, melted cheese, and crisp bell peppers delivers a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and innovative.

Prepare to elevate your sandwich game with this mouthwatering fusion of classic ingredients and creative preparation.

Why Meatball Subs Are Even Better with Peppers

• Customize Your Comfort: Enjoy a delightful twist on classic meatball subs by using bell peppers instead of traditional bread, creating a low-carb, veggie-packed meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Combine juicy, seasoned meatballs with melted mozzarella and zesty marinara sauce, nestled in roasted bell peppers for a mouthwatering explosion of textures and tastes that elevates a simple weeknight dinner.
• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this recipe in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious, hassle-free meal that looks impressive.

All the Good Stuff for Bell Pepper Subs

• Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful base for hearty meatballs with good protein content.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture and provides richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds deep savory flavor and helps hold meatballs together.

• Bread Crumbs: Creates light texture and helps meatballs maintain structure.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the meatballs.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and robust flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning of the meatballs.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the meat mixture.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing meatballs and roasting bell peppers with rich flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian taste to meatballs.
• Bell Peppers: Serves as both vessel and vegetable component with sweet, mild flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides creamy, stretchy texture.

Building Subs That Stay Juicy

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Bread crumbs
• Chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes

Mix until ingredients are just combined.

Step 3: Shape Meatballs

Form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs.

Step 4: Sear Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until seared on all sides (about 10 minutes).

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with meatballs.

Toss to coat evenly, cover, and simmer until meatballs are fully cooked (about 10 minutes).

Step 6: Prepare Bell Peppers

Arrange bell pepper halves cut side up on a large rimmed baking sheet.

Drizzle with remaining olive oil.

Place a slice of mozzarella on 4 bell pepper halves.

Step 7: Bake Bell Peppers

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese melts and peppers are warmed (about 10 minutes).

Step 8: Assemble Subs

Place meatballs on the cheese-topped bell pepper halves.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese.

Cover with remaining bell pepper halves.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the meatball subs immediately while hot and fresh.

Pro Tips for Toasty, Cheesy Subs

• Blend Meat Gently: Mix ground beef ingredients lightly to prevent tough, dense meatballs.
• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Brown meatballs completely before simmering to lock in rich, caramelized taste.
• Choose Fresh Peppers: Select firm, vibrant bell peppers without soft spots for the best texture and sweetness.
• Control Moisture: Drain excess liquid from marinara sauce to keep bell pepper boats from becoming soggy.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice preference, from mild to fiery.

Store and Reheat Meatball Subs the Right Way

• Refrigerate meatball subs within 2 hours of cooking in an airtight container. Store separately: meatballs and peppers will maintain better texture. Refrigerated leftovers stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for best results. Place meatballs and peppers on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, but may make bread soggy and meatballs tough. Add fresh Parmesan when serving to restore flavor and moisture.

Great Add-ons for Your Next Sub Night

• Craft a Zesty Wine Companion: Pair these savory meatball subs with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the richness of the beef and complements the marinara's tangy notes.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, providing a bright, peppery contrast to the hearty meatballs and creating a balanced meal.
• Spark with Craft Beer Match: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA to enhance the meatballs' robust flavor, with the beer's maltiness harmonizing perfectly with the marinara sauce and melted cheese.
• Cool Down with Creamy Dip: Add a side of garlic aioli or herbed ranch dressing for dipping, which adds a creamy texture and extra layer of flavor to the bell pepper meatball subs.

Meatball Sub Variations That Hit the Spot

• Spicy Southwest Style: Swap marinara for salsa verde, add chopped jalapeños to meatball mixture, and sprinkle cilantro on top for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace ground beef with lamb, mix in oregano and mint, top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef, incorporate grated zucchini into meatballs for extra moisture, and select green bell peppers for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute meatballs with plant-based protein crumbles, use roasted portobello mushrooms as a meat alternative, and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

Bell Pepper Meatball Subs Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Bell Pepper Meatball Subs bring Italian-American comfort to your dinner table. Juicy homemade meatballs nestled in roasted pepper boats deliver a mouthwatering meal guaranteed to satisfy hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb.) ground beef
• 1 egg
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese

Flavor Enhancers and Binding Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (⅓ c.) bread crumbs
• ¼ cup (¼ c.) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (¼ c.) chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp.) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp.) red pepper flakes

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (2 Tbsp.) olive oil
• 1 (15-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 4 bell peppers, cored and halved
• Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine ground beef, bread crumbs, finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gently shape the meat mixture into 16 uniform meatballs, ensuring each is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Carefully place meatballs in the hot skillet, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown sear on all surfaces, approximately 8-10 minutes.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the seared meatballs, gently tossing to coat evenly. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes until meatballs are completely cooked through.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a large rimmed baking sheet.
7. Arrange bell pepper halves cut-side up on the baking sheet and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
8. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on four bell pepper halves.
9. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are thoroughly warmed.
10. Transfer cooked meatballs onto the cheese-topped bell pepper halves.
11. Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
12. Cover with remaining bell pepper halves and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Prep ahead by mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly but gently to maintain a tender texture without overworking the meat.
• Sear meatballs in a hot skillet to develop a rich, golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors and juiciness.
• Choose bell peppers that are firm, vibrant, and similar in size to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• Melted mozzarella creates a creamy base that helps hold the meatballs in place and adds extra richness to the sub.
• Opt for fresh marinara sauce for a brighter, more authentic taste compared to store-bought jarred versions.
• Serve immediately while cheese is melted and meatballs are hot to enjoy the perfect blend of textures and temperatures.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg