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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into 16 uniform meatballs, ensuring each is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place meatballs in the hot skillet, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown sear on all surfaces, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Arrange bell pepper halves cut-side up on the baking sheet and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on four bell pepper halves.
- Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are thoroughly warmed.
- Transfer cooked meatballs onto the cheese-topped bell pepper halves.
- Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
- 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