Flavorful Bell Pepper Meatball Subs Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Sizzling with flavor, these bell pepper meatball subs burst onto the dinner scene with irresistible appeal.

Juicy, seasoned meatballs nestled in a bell pepper-infused sandwich create a mouthwatering twist on a classic comfort meal.

The combination of tender meat and vibrant peppers promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Melted cheese drapes over each hearty bite, adding rich, gooey goodness to every mouthful.

Packed with robust spices and fresh ingredients, these subs deliver a satisfying punch of taste and texture.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a sub that will become an instant favorite at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 479 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Bell Pepper Meatball Subs

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with ideal fat content for juicy meatballs.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps bind ingredients and creates tender, light texture for meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent to hold meatball mixture together perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds deep, salty flavor and helps enhance overall meatball complexity.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh herbal note and brightens meat mixture.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic depth to meatball flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes subtle heat and zesty kick to meat mixture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides classic, tangy tomato base for meatball coating.
• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth cooking surface and adds subtle richness.

• Bell Peppers: Creates edible vessel, offering sweet, crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, melting element with mild, smooth taste.

Kitchen Tools for Bell Pepper Meatball Subs Success

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing ground beef and ingredients thoroughly.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing and simmering meatballs in marinara sauce.
• Rimmed baking sheet: Ideal for roasting bell peppers with melted cheese.
• Cutting board: Necessary for preparing ingredients and slicing bell peppers.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for portioning ingredients correctly.
• Spatula or tongs: Helpful for turning meatballs and moving them between cooking surfaces.

Cooking Bell Pepper Meatball Subs, Step by Step

• Bell Pepper Preparation

Slice bell peppers lengthwise and remove seeds. Arrange peppers on a baking sheet ready for roasting.

• Meatball Magic

Combine ground beef with herbs, cheese, and seasonings. Gently shape mixture into round balls without overworking the meat.

• Searing Process

Heat a skillet with olive oil. Brown meatballs on all sides, creating a golden exterior that locks in juicy flavors.

• Sauce Simmer

Pour marinara sauce over meatballs. Allow them to gently cook and absorb rich tomato flavors until fully cooked through.

• Cheese and Roast

Top selected bell pepper halves with melty mozzarella. Roast in the oven until cheese becomes soft and peppers are warm.

• Assembly

Place saucy meatballs inside cheese-lined pepper halves. Sprinkle extra Parmesan for a delicious finishing touch. Close the pepper like a sandwich and serve immediately.

Bell Pepper Meatball Subs – Pro Tips & Fun Variations

• Explore Delicious Twists and Tricks
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still packs incredible flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to create unique taste profiles that complement the marinara sauce perfectly.
• Try alternative cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different melty, gooey experience that elevates the classic meatball sub.
• Prepare meatballs and marinara sauce in advance, then quickly assemble the sub when ready to eat, saving time on busy weeknights.

Delicious Pairings for Bell Pepper Meatball Subs

• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Toss together a light mixed greens salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes, dressed with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory meatballs.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companions: Slice a crusty baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown for a perfect dipping companion to catch extra marinara sauce.
• Create a Family-Style Platter: Arrange the meatball-stuffed bell peppers on a large wooden board with extra marinara sauce, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful, sharable presentation.
• Add Cool Drink Pairings: Pour chilled red wine or craft beer to complement the hearty flavors of the meatball subs, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Store & Plan Ahead: Bell Pepper Meatball Subs Made Easy

• Batch Prep Like a Pro: Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for quick future meals. Store uncooked meatballs in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate with Care: Keep leftover meatball subs wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and food safety. Store separately from bread to maintain crispness.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm meatballs and peppers in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore original texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy bell peppers and tough meatballs.
• Freeze for Later Convenience: Separate meatballs and bell peppers before freezing. Store cooked meatballs in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Hearty Bell Pepper Meatball Subs Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty bell pepper meatball subs deliver a mouthwatering Italian-American classic with robust flavors and satisfying textures. Warm crusty bread cradles juicy beef meatballs, melted cheese, and zesty marinara, promising a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 egg
• ⅓ c. bread crumbs
• ¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ c. chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tbsps. olive oil
• 1 (15 oz.) jar marinara sauce
• 4 bell peppers, cored and halved
• Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish

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Instructions

1. Meat Mixture Preparation: Blend ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl until thoroughly combined, ensuring even ingredient distribution.
2. Meatball Formation: Shape the mixture into 16 uniform meatballs, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
3. Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown meatballs on all sides for 8-10 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve a golden exterior.
4. Sauce Integration: Pour marinara over seared meatballs, gently coating them, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Bell Pepper Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F, arrange pepper halves cut-side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and top four halves with mozzarella cheese.
6. Baking and Assembly: Bake peppers for 10 minutes until cheese melts, then transfer meatballs onto cheese-topped pepper halves, sprinkle with additional Parmesan, cover with remaining pepper halves, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Meat Mixing Technique: Blend ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs, using gentle folding motions to keep the mixture light and tender.
• Searing Secret: Ensure skillet is hot before adding meatballs to create a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops deep flavor.
• Pepper Preparation: Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to create stable boats for meatballs, preventing tipping during baking and serving.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly grated mozzarella for optimal melting and allow a moment of resting after baking to let cheese settle and flavors meld.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 479
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 897 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg