Perfect Mini Turkey Meatball Subs
These mini turkey meatball subs are a quick, easy, and satisfying lunchbox-friendly sandwich featuring juicy turkey meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a convenient mini sub roll.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini subs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean but not extra-lean)
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned breadcrumbs optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 8 mini sub rolls or slider buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into mini meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and golden. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- While meatballs bake, gently heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warm.
- Slice mini sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through to create a pocket. Toast them lightly in the oven or skillet for 2-3 minutes.
- Spoon warmed marinara sauce into each roll, add 3-4 mini turkey meatballs, top with more sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place assembled subs back on baking sheet or skillet and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Add fresh basil leaves if using, then let subs cool slightly before packing.
Notes
To prevent soggy buns, toast the mini subs lightly before assembling and warm the marinara sauce gently. Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. If marinara is watery, simmer longer to thicken. For spice, add red pepper flakes to marinara or meatball mix. Meatballs can be baked ahead and frozen for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sub
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: turkey meatball subs, mini subs, lunchbox recipe, easy lunch, turkey meatballs, marinara, melted cheese, quick sandwiches