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Cheesy French Onion Meatball Subs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 73 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Sandwiches
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cheesy French Onion Meatball Subs are a hearty and flavorful sandwich combining tender, juicy meatballs infused with Parmesan and garlic, topped with rich caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled inside warm hoagie rolls. This recipe offers a perfect blend of savory beef, aromatic herbs, and gooey cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Caramelized Onions and Broth

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth

Assembly

  • 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for assembling and melting the sandwiches.
  2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, then shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
  3. Brown Meatballs: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for a flavorful crust. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and soft, which should take about 20 minutes.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in Broth: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through completely and the broth to reduce slightly, enhancing the flavors.
  6. Prepare Sub Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, keeping one side intact to create a hinge for easy filling.
  7. Assemble Subs: Place 4 meatballs in each hoagie roll. Spoon caramelized onions and some of the reduced broth over the meatballs to keep them moist and flavorful.
  8. Add Cheese: Generously top each sub with shredded Swiss cheese, covering the meatballs and onions evenly.
  9. Bake Subs: Arrange the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, signaling they are ready to serve.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cheesy French onion meatball subs hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine while caramelizing the onions.
  • If you prefer spicier subs, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a variation in taste.
  • Make ahead by preparing meatballs and onions in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to eat.
  • Serve with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.