Meatball Marinara Appetizers

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

¼ cup shredded parmesan

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/3 cup breadcrumbs

1 large egg

2 cups marinara sauce

12 asiago cheese slices

2 minced garlic cloves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

8 small hoagie rolls

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Combine the beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, parsley, garlic and parmesan in a bowl using your hands.

Grind in some salt and black pepper and mix again.

Make 24 small meatballs with the meat mixture, rolling them into balls with your hands.

Heat the oil in a skillet.

Cook the meatballs in batches for 5 minutes or until seared all over.

Meanwhile preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Arrange the meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes.

Take them out of the oven and set to one side.

Meanwhile you can cut an oval shape from the top of each roll, leaving about ½-inch on the sides and ends.

Use a knife to hollow out the rolls, taking care not to cut all the way through.

Arrange the rolls on a greased baking dish.

Add a slice of asiago cheese into the hollowed out part.

Bake for 8 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each one.

Add 3 meatballs on top of that.

Add the rest of the marinara on top of them.

Finally sprinkled shredded cheese on top and bake for 6 to 8 more minutes.

Serve still warm from the oven.

Notes

These are a little messy for finger food but they do make a great appetizer.

Swap the asiago for your favorite cheese if preferred.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of ground beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef based on your preference.

Ground turkey is often a leaner option, while ground pork can add a different flavor dimension.

Adjust your choice of meat to suit your taste.

What type of breadcrumbs work best for this recipe?

You can use regular dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for this recipe.

Both types will help bind the meatballs together.

If you prefer a slightly crunchier texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs.

Is there a specific type of marinara sauce recommended for this dish?

You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch.

The choice of marinara sauce depends on your taste preference and whether you prefer it with herbs, spices, or a smoother texture.

Feel free to choose your favorite brand or recipe.

Can I prepare these meatball appetizers in advance for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and cheese-filled rolls in advance.

Store the cooked meatballs and assembled rolls separately in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in the marinara sauce, and then assemble the rolls with cheese and marinara.

Bake them just before serving to ensure they are warm and gooey.

What can I serve alongside these Meatball Marinara Appetizers?

These appetizers pair well with a variety of sides, such as a simple green salad, coleslaw, or a platter of fresh vegetables with dip.

Consider serving them as part of a larger spread at a party or alongside other appetizers for a diverse selection.

Can I use pre-made meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-made or store-bought meatballs to save time.

However, making your own meatballs from scratch allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.

What can I use instead of asiago cheese slices?

If you don’t have asiago cheese, you can use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar, depending on your preference.

Choose a cheese that melts well for a gooey texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of these appetizers.

Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute (e.g., tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat) for a vegetarian option.

For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and egg substitutes for binding the meatballs.

How do I prevent the hoagie rolls from becoming too soggy when assembling the appetizers?

To prevent the hoagie rolls from becoming overly soggy, you can lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes before adding the cheese and meatballs.

This will help create a barrier that keeps the rolls from getting too wet.

Can I freeze these Meatball Marinara Appetizers for later use?

While it’s best to assemble and bake these appetizers fresh for optimal texture, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and store them separately from the rolls and sauce.

Reheat the meatballs and assemble the appetizers when you’re ready to enjoy them.