Easy Meatball Subs

In my house, we are always looking for FAST, EASY meals. With a toddler running around, it can be really difficult to plan meals that allow us to cook while the twonado is running around destroying furniture with a 55lb dog. This recipe taps into her desire to be helpful, and gives us a tasty dinner to enjoy at the table. Little bug can mix the meat ingredients, and form meatballs. Hubby does go behind her and tighten them a little.

We don't do bread in our house, so we would use Romaine lettuce leaves or cauliflower tortillas to create a wrap. We also LOVE cheese, so you know we will be adding a Mozzarella slice on top. If you don't have an airfyer, you can always bake them at 400 for 10 minutes (turn halfway through), or pan sear them turning them as they brown (time depends on how big you make them). Get the kids involved in cooking and have fun!

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1/3 c. panko or other breadcrumbs
  • 4 large cloves garlic (2 grated and 2 chopped)
  • 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 c. flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb. cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 small hero rolls, split and toasted (we would make a wrap)
  • 6 tbsp. ricotta cheese
  • Basil, for serving

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in panko and let sit 1 minute. Stir in grated garlic and Parmesan, then parsley. Add beef and gently mix to combine.
  2. Shape meat mixture into 20 balls (about 1 1/2 inches each) and place in a single layer on air-fryer rack (the balls can touch but should not be stacked; cook in batches if necessary). Air-fry meatballs at 400°F for 5 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, toss tomatoes, chile and chopped garlic with oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Scatter over meatballs and continue air-frying until meatballs are cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes more
  4. Spread ricotta on toasted rolls, then top with meatballs, grated Parmesan, roasted tomatoes and chile and basil if desired. Did you make this recipe? Let us know what you think by commenting below!
Kristi BennettComment