I’m not sure I can compete with Subway in terms of mass distribution or cost, but I can definitely compete with them on taste. I’ve had meatball sandwiches at various places, but nothing beats having one at home. Hot, toasted and gooey with cheese. Right out of the oven is the only way to go!

Oven Roasted Meatball Sub Sandwich:

Meatballs:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef – $3.39
1 egg – $.33
1/2 cup crushed crackers (saltine or butter) – $.35
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce – pantry
1 Tbsp dried italian seasoning
2 tsps garlic powder – pantry
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
1 tsp pepper – pantry

Sauce:

1/2 a yellow onion, finely chopped – $.30
1 large can crushed or diced tomatoes – $1.19
1 small can tomato sauce – $.25
1 Tbsp Olive oil – pantry
1 1/2 Tbsp minced or crushed garlic – pantry
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
2 Tbsp Dried Italian herb mix (Oregano, Basil, Marjoram and Thyme) – pantry
1 Tbsp Dried Onion – pantry
1 tsp pepper – pantry
1 tsp red chile pepper (optional) – pantry

COST: $5.81

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. While oven is heating, prepare meatballs.

Mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, egg, crushed crackers, garlic powder, dried onion, italian herb mix, salt and pepper. Roll mixture into meatballs and place in baking dish greased with olive oil. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes.

While meatballs are baking, prepare sauce and salad.

Heat medium to large sauce pan over moderate heat. Add a little oil and chopped onion. Cook a few minutes. Just till onion is transparent. Add garlic and stir. Cook for just a minute or so. Add crushed or diced tomato and tomato sauce, herbs, salt, pepper, chili powder and parmesan cheese. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and add baked meatballs. Fold balls into sauce, carefully. Continue simmering for 15 mins.

Using a fresh baguette or french roll, slice in half, add 3-4 meatballs per section and top with mozzarella. Bake at 375 until cheese is melted and lightly brown. Watch carefully as not to burn. Serve with mixed greens salad and balsamic dressing.

COST for Baguette/French Bread: $1.19

COST for bowl of Mixed Greens: $1.00

COST for Mozzarella (8 oz): $1.75

GRAND TOTAL: $9.75