Description
Monster Meatball Sandwiches are a fun and spooky twist on a classic meatball sub, perfect for Halloween or themed parties. Juicy baked meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, nestled in soft sub rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella and provolone cheese shaped like monster teeth. Garnished with olive ‘eyes’ and playful olive ‘tongues’ for an engaging and delicious meal that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Sandwiches
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Black olives, sliced (for eyes)
- 4 pimento-stuffed green olives (optional, for monster “tongues”)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape the mixture into 12–16 small meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Heat the marinara sauce: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Split each sub roll and fill with 3–4 meatballs along with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a slice of provolone cheese. Trim the provolone if desired to create a ‘teeth’ effect.
- Broil the sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and starts to brown lightly, creating a gooey, mouthwatering topping.
- Decorate with ‘monster’ features: Use sliced black olives to make ‘eyes’ atop the sandwiches. Optionally, add a green pimento-stuffed olive slice as a ‘tongue’ for a playful touch.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the Monster Meatball Sandwiches hot for a spooky, fun meal experience.
Notes
- Great for Halloween or themed parties!
- Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for a shortcut.
- Customize with your favorite cheese or marinara sauce for variations.
- Can be made ahead and reheated using the broiler to refresh the cheese topping.
