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Italian Turkey Meatball Sub Recipe
Never settle for bland subs again—discover how juicy turkey meatballs and melty mozzarella transform this classic Italian sub into a guilt-free indulgence.
Why You’ll Love these Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
Although turkey mightn’t scream “Italian meatball” at first glance, these subs bring together all the cozy, comforting flavors you crave without the heavy guilt trip.
Imagine juicy turkey meatballs, tender but not greasy, nestled in crusty bread with bubbling mozzarella and rich tomato sauce—pure comfort without the usual meat overload. Turkey keeps it lighter, so you can enjoy that classic meatball sub feeling without feeling like you need a nap afterward.
Plus, the spices and seasonings sneak in so much flavor you might forget it’s turkey at all. It’s like a warm hug wrapped in bread—perfect for when you want something satisfying but not too heavy.
Who says comfort food can’t have a little finesse? These subs might just change your mind.
What Ingredients are in Italian Turkey Meatball Subs?
When it comes to making Italian Turkey Meatball Subs, the ingredients are pretty straightforward but pack a ton of flavor. You’re basically building a sandwich that’s hearty and comforting but with a lighter twist thanks to the turkey. Think juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground turkey and a handful of seasonings, all nestled inside crusty French bread, slathered with tomato sauce, and topped off with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but doesn’t leave you with the usual food coma. Ready to check out what goes into this magic?
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking sherry
- 2 teaspoons steak sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 dash adobo seasoning
- 1 (8 ounce) jar prepared spaghetti sauce (or about 1 cup homemade)
- 2 loaves French bread (crusty is key—Pepperidge Farms is a popular choice)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
A few notes about the ingredients: Using ground turkey keeps these subs lighter but still juicy if you don’t overcook it. The cooking sherry and steak sauce might sound fancy, but they bring a subtle depth and umami that really elevates the meatballs—don’t skip them. Adobo seasoning adds a little kick without being overpowering. And that crusty French bread? It’s the unsung hero here—it holds everything together without turning soggy, which is absolutely essential when you’re piling on sauce and cheese. If you want, you can swap out the spaghetti sauce for your own homemade batch, but a good-quality jar works just fine, especially when you’re short on time.
How to Make these Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
Alright, let’s plunge into making these Italian Turkey Meatball Subs, and trust me, you’ll want to roll up your sleeves for this one. Start by grabbing a pound of ground turkey—that’s our lean, protein-packed star.
Mix that with half a medium finely chopped onion (because a little crunch and sweetness never hurt), a quarter cup of seasoned bread crumbs to give those meatballs some heft, and a large beaten egg to hold everything together.
Don’t forget the seasoning: half a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of black pepper, and a half teaspoon of garlic powder. Now, here’s where it gets interesting—add two tablespoons of cooking sherry and two teaspoons of steak sauce. Yep, steak sauce in turkey meatballs might sound wild, but it adds a punchy depth that’s hard to beat.
Finally, a dash of adobo seasoning brings a subtle smoky vibe. Mix it all thoroughly—don’t be shy, get in there with your hands. Once everything’s combined, shape the mixture into about 16 medium-sized meatballs and set them on a foil-lined baking dish.
Pop them in a 375°F oven for around 40 minutes until they’re cooked through and golden.
While the meatballs are doing their thing, preheat your oven to warm up two loaves of French bread until they’re nice and crusty—because soggy bread is a crime.
When the meatballs are ready, slice the bread lengthwise and pile on the meatballs, then spoon over about an 8-ounce jar of prepared spaghetti sauce (or homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious).
Top everything with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese—because cheese makes everything better, right?
Slide those loaded subs back into the oven at 325°F until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket over your meatballs.
Once out of the oven, cut each loaf in half for easier handling, and there you have it—a comforting, hearty Italian turkey meatball sub ready to devour. Just try not to drool all over your keyboard while making these!
To elevate your cooking experience even further, consider preparing these subs using a high-end Italian cookware set for superior heat distribution and cooking performance.
Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Substitutions and Variations
Even if you’re set on making Italian turkey meatball subs, swapping out a few ingredients can turn this classic into something totally your own without losing that cozy, comforting vibe.
Craving a bit more zing? Try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or swap the spaghetti sauce for a spicy arrabbiata.
Want to lighten it up? Use turkey breast instead of ground turkey for a leaner bite.
Cheese fan? Go for provolone or even a sharp cheddar if you’re feeling bold.
Bread choices? Forget French bread—ciabatta or a sturdy hoagie roll can hold up better to all that juicy goodness.
And hey, herbs like fresh basil or oregano can sneak in some garden-fresh flavor.
These tweaks keep the heart of the sub intact but mix up the fun.
What to Serve with Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
Since Italian turkey meatball subs pack a hearty punch, pairing them with the right sides can make all the difference between a good meal and a great one.
Think fresh, crisp salads—something like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Or how about roasted veggies? Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted until tender—easy but impressive.
If you’re craving something classic, crispy garlic bread is a no-brainer; it soaks up the sauce and adds that extra crunch.
And let’s not forget a light soup, maybe minestrone or tomato basil, to round it all out.
These sides keep the meal balanced without overshadowing those juicy turkey meatballs. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Though turkey meatball subs might sound like a straightforward meal, they actually bring a surprising depth of flavor and comfort to the table.
The blend of seasoned turkey, a hint of sherry and steak sauce, plus that cozy layer of melted mozzarella—it’s like a warm hug in sandwich form.
Sure, it takes a bit of prep, but isn’t the payoff worth it? The crispy bread soaked just right with spaghetti sauce? Pure magic.
It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but isn’t fussy, perfect for when you want something satisfying without the drama.
So, if you’re craving a meal that hits all the right notes—hearty, cheesy, and a little bit unexpected—this sub definitely deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
