Leftover Meatball Sandwich

This Leftover Meatball Sandwich is the perfect repurpose meal. It’s quick and easy to assemble and a hearty meal!

The ultimate Leftover Meatball Sandwich is a testament to the magic of reinventing leftovers. With minimal effort, you can turn last night’s Beef and Sausage Meatball dinner into a hearty sandwich masterpiece that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• No Food Waste: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers, preventing food waste while creating a delicious new meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to customize the sandwich with additional toppings like sautéed onions, bell peppers, fresh basil, pepperoni, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
• Quick and Satisfying: In just a few steps, you can transform cold leftovers into a hot, satisfying sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of this leftover meatball sandwich. It's a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients for Leftover Meatball Sandwich

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• Baguette or Sub Rolls: The foundation of the sandwich, offering a vessel to hold the meatballs and soak up the delicious sauces. The bread adds texture and structure to each bite.
• Olive Oil: It contributes to the toasty flavor and adds a touch of richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, providing a creamy and stretchy texture. It adds a comforting, cheesy element that complements the savory meatballs.
• Leftover Beef and Sausage Meatballs: The star of the show, providing protein and flavor. They bring a saucy, hearty, and savory element to the sandwich.

How to make Leftover Meatball Sandwiches

1. If your meatballs are cold from the refrigerator, warm them up in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
2. To create a base for the sandwich, cut sub rolls or baguette lengthwise and hull out some of the internal bread fluff.

3. Drizzle or brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. If you're in the mood for a garlic twist, mix fresh garlic with the olive oil first. Broil 1-2 minutes, watching carefully as it can burn quickly.
4. Place Mozzarella cheese slices on both sides of the bread.

5. Top one side of the bread with the warmed meatballs. Spoon the sauce generously over the meatballs. 

6. Transfer the assembled sandwich to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.

7. Slice the sandwich into manageable portions and serve immediately.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Meatball Options: You can use homemade Beef and Sausage Meatballs that are already in marinara sauce or you can use frozen meatballs that you’ve thawed/cooked and add marinara sauce. You can use turkey, chicken, beef, pork, or meatless meatballs.
• Reheat Meatballs Properly: Ensure that your leftover meatballs are fully reheated before assembling the sandwich. You can use a microwave, stovetop, or oven.
• Customize with Toppings: Customize your sandwich with additional toppings like sautéed onions, bell peppers, arugula, fresh basil, shredded parmesan cheese or even giardiniera for added flavor and texture.
• Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Swiss to create different flavor profiles.
• Add a Kick of Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick. You can also had giardiniera.
• Bread Variations: If you don't have sub rolls or baguette, you can use other types of bread like ciabatta, Italian bread, or even a hearty sandwich bread.
• Sauces: You can add additional marinara besides what’s already on the leftover meatballs. You can also use add a smear of pesto.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rolls or bread, and ensure that your meatballs are gluten-free or make a gluten-free version.

What to Serve with a Meatball Sub Sandwich

A simple side salad is our favorite complement to this hearty sandwich. Some other yummy additions are Easy Cooked Vegetables, Gremolata Green Beans, or a Marinated Vegetable Salad.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

It’s best to consume meatball subs immediately for the optimal bread texture. You can refrigerate the sandwich components separately if you plan to make multiple sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

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