Description
These Meatball Monster Sandwiches are a fun and delicious twist on classic meatball subs, perfect for Halloween parties or playful family dinners. Juicy seasoned meatballs cooked to perfection are smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese, and decorated with olive and cheese ‘eyes’ to create spooky monster faces. Ideal for kids and adults alike, these sandwiches combine hearty flavors with a creative presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce and Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 8 pitted black olives, sliced
- 4 slices white cheese, cut into circles for eyes (e.g., mozzarella or white cheddar)
- Ketchup or mustard for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form and cook the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 small meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add marinara sauce and simmer: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meatballs and simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Slice the hoagie rolls horizontally. Place 3 meatballs along with some marinara sauce inside each roll. Top each with a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the cheese under the broiler: Position the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Create the monster faces: Using sliced black olives and white cheese circles, assemble ‘eyes’ on top of the melted cheese. Use a dab of ketchup or mustard to adhere the olive slices onto the cheese circles to complete the monster look.
- Serve immediately: Serve the sandwiches hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, toast the hoagie buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches.
- These sandwiches make a fantastic, festive meal for Halloween parties or fun family dinners.
- For a lighter or different dietary option, substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based meatballs.
