Smoked Beef Meatball Subs

Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients

• 4 lbs. Ground Beef, (80% lean)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 6 oz. Romano cheese, grated
• 6 oz. parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Kosher salt
• 2 Tbsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. dried basil
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 cup water

Marinara Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced
• 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. red chili flakes
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Sandwich Ingredients:

• 8 sub rolls
• 16 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 bunch Italian parsley leaves, chopped

Preparation

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Preheat smoker to 275°F.

2. Step 2

   Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well with hands, being careful not to overwork.

3. Step 3

   Form into 2 oz. meatballs, and place on a large baking sheet.

4. Step 4

   Place meatballs into smoker or oven and cook until the internal temperature is 160°F using a meat thermometer. Remove meatballs from smoker and set aside.

   Cooking Tip: If using an oven, cook at 400°F and cook for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160°F using a meat thermometer.

5. Step 5

   In the meantime, make the marinara sauce. Heat oil in a saucepan over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add onion and chili flakes, and saute until onions are almost translucent; Add garlic and the remaining marinara sauce ingredients.

6. Step 6

   Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer; simmer for 15-20 minutes

7. Step 7

   Assemble your subs: Place 2 slices of cheese on bottom of sub rolls. Add meatballs to each sub (about 4 per sub), cover with sauce, and sprinkle grated cheese and parsley on top.

8. Step 8

   Return sandwiches to smoker at 350°F or oven to melt cheese.

9. Step 9

   Remove from smoker after 3-4 minutes, after bread is toasted and cheese melted.

10. Step 10

    Allow sandwiches to cool before serving.