From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/5
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated mozzarella, egg, onion, garlic, and all spices. Mix until just combined, do not overmix. Shape into approximately 15 evenly sized meatballs.
2
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until nicely golden.
3
Pour in the passata. Season with the same spices used in the meat mixture. Add sliced basil and parmesan. Let everything simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs are fully cooked.
4
Slice the sub rolls open. Spread pesto on the bottom half. Add several meatballs per sub and spoon extra sauce over them. Place 3 slices of mozzarella on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil and an extra spoon of warm sauce. Serve immediately.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Chill Your Meat Mixture 🧊Refrigerate your ground beef mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming meatballs—this prevents them from falling apart during cooking and creates a more tender, cohesive texture.
- Use a Pesto Swirl Technique 🌀Instead of mixing pesto into the sauce, create a thin pesto layer on the toasted roll before adding meatballs to preserve the fresh basil flavor and prevent it from cooking out.
- Double Toast Your Rolls 🔥Lightly butter and toast your sub rolls twice—once plain and again after adding the sauce—to create a crispy exterior that won't get soggy from the tomato sauce and cheese.
- Bread Crumb Moisture Control 🥖Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2 minutes before mixing with meat to create incredibly juicy, tender meatballs that stay moist throughout simmering in the passata sauce.
- Garlic Blooming Strategy 🧄Bloom your minced garlic in warm olive oil for 30 seconds before adding to the passata sauce to develop deeper, more complex garlic notes and prevent harsh, raw garlic flavor.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
Low Carb
High Protein
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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