Description
These Cheesy French Onion Meatball Subs are a comforting and flavorful sandwich featuring juicy beef meatballs simmered in rich beef broth with caramelized onions, all piled into soft hoagie rolls and topped with melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe combines classic French onion flavors with savory meatballs for a 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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the subs later.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined, then shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, which should take a few minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This process takes about 20 minutes and adds deep flavor to the dish.
- Simmer Meatballs with Broth: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Pour in the beef broth and let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes. This step ensures the meatballs cook through while the broth reduces slightly, combining flavors beautifully.
- Prepare the Sub Rolls: Slice each hoagie roll lengthwise, being careful to leave a hinge so the rolls can hold the filling without splitting completely.
- Assemble the Subs: Place 4 meatballs into each sub roll. Spoon some of the caramelized onions and a bit of the reduced broth over the meatballs to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Top each assembled sub with shredded Swiss cheese. Arrange the subs on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and serve hot, enjoying the melty cheese, savory meatballs, and sweet onions all in one delicious sandwich.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer softer rolls, warm them briefly in the oven before assembling.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the subs.
- Leftover meatballs and onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
