Description
These Cheesy French Onion Meatball Subs combine tender, flavorful meatballs with rich caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. This comforting sandwich is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, featuring a blend of Italian-inspired seasonings and classic French onion flavors.
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
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Assembly
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled subs later.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides to develop flavor and seal in juices. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for about 20 minutes until they are soft, golden, and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Simmer Meatballs with Broth: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Pour in the beef broth and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through fully and the broth to reduce slightly, adding rich flavor.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge so they stay connected on one side. This will hold the fillings together better.
- Assemble Subs: Place 4 meatballs into each roll. Spoon generous amounts of the caramelized onions and some of the simmered broth over the meatballs to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Add Cheese: Top each sub with shredded Swiss cheese, ensuring good coverage for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Bake Subs: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the Swiss cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the subs hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key for developing their deep flavor; don’t rush this step.
- If you prefer a saucier sub, add a bit more beef broth before baking.
- Swiss cheese can be replaced with provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated and served with pasta or as an appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
