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Slow Cooker Garlic Bread Meatball Subs

Juicy slow cooked meatballs simmered in sauce, piled into butter garlic bread rolls and topped with melty mozzarella for the ultimate meatball sub!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time4 hours

Ingredients

FOR THE MEATBALLS AND SAUCE:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground chuck
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 ¼ cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • ½ of a small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 28 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

FOR THE GARLIC BREAD SUBS:

  • 8-10 French bread rolls (4 inch), sliced open
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • parsley - finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the sauce: In your slow cooker, stir together 1 jar (28 oz) marinara, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ lbs ground chuck, 1 beaten egg, 1 ¼ cups Italian bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, and ½ of a finely chopped small onion. Mix well.
  • Shape the meatballs: Roll into 24 meatballs (about 1 heaping tablespoon each/ 1 ounce of mixture). Place them into the sauce in the slow cooker.
  • Cook the meatballs: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours until meatballs are cooked through.
  • Prepare garlic bread rolls: Preheat oven to 425°F. Melt 2 sticks butter in the microwave (about 1 minute). Stir in 2 teaspoons garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Brush generously over the cut sides of 8-10 rolls.
  • Bake for 6–7 minutes, until lightly toasted. Remove and set the oven to broil.
  • Assemble the subs: Place 3 meatballs on each roll. Spoon over some sauce. Top with 2–3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Broil for 3–4 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Cool slightly, then dig in!

Notes

See the post above for the quick and easy variation.