Best Mini Turkey Meatball Subs: Easy Freezer Meal
These mini turkey meatball subs are a lighter, leaner take on the classic comfort food. Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly, they’re easy to make and even easier to reheat for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 mini subs, each with 3-4 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (93/7)
- 1/2 cup (60g) Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) marinara sauce
- Mini hoagie rolls or slider buns
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls (about 20 to 24 meatballs). Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Alternatively, brown in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- While meatballs cook, warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Slice rolls in half horizontally. Toast cut sides under broiler or in toaster oven for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
- Place bottom halves of rolls on a baking sheet. Spoon a little marinara sauce onto each bottom half. Arrange 3 to 4 meatballs on each roll. Spoon more sauce over meatballs, then top with a slice of cheese. Place top halves of rolls on.
- Bake assembled subs at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and rolls are lightly toasted. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- To freeze: Cool completely, wrap each sub individually in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat unwrapped at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Chilling the rolled meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape. Toasting the rolls prevents sogginess. Use a light hand with the sauce to avoid mushy bread. Let subs rest after baking for the cheese to set. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and use dairy-free cheese slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sub
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: mini turkey meatball subs, freezer meal, meal prep, turkey meatballs, mini subs, easy dinner, comfort food