If you’re looking for a new spin on the traditional meatball sub, look no further! Our Bell Pepper Meatball Subs are not only delicious but also provide a healthier alternative by swapping out the bread for vibrant bell peppers. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 (15-oz) jar marinara sauce
- 4 bell peppers, cored and halved
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 580 kcal
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 16 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until seared on all sides (about 10 minutes).
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, toss to combine, cover, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through (about 10 minutes).
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Arrange the bell pepper halves cut side up on a large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on four of the bell pepper halves.
- Bake:
- Bake until the cheese melts and the peppers are warmed through (about 10 minutes).
- Assemble the Subs:
- Place the cooked meatballs on the cheese-topped bell pepper halves.
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with the remaining bell pepper halves.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Bell Pepper Meatball Subs!
Tips for Success:
- Customize Your Meatballs: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or herbs to the meatball mixture to make it your own.
- Cheese Options: Try different types of cheese like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor twist.
- Meal Prep: These meatball subs can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them perfect for meal prep.
This Bell Pepper Meatball Sub recipe is a flavorful, low-carb alternative to the traditional sub, providing all the satisfaction without the extra carbs. Enjoy this delightful dish with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how you enjoyed your Bell Pepper Meatball Subs!
Bell Pepper Meatball Subs
Description
These Bell Pepper Meatball Subs redefine comfort food, combining hearty meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella nested within vibrant bell peppers. The result is a deliciously innovative sub that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
1/3 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1/4 c. grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 (15-oz) jar marinara sauce
4 bell peppers, cored and halved
4 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes until just combined. Form into 16 balls.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until seared on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add marinara sauce to the skillet, toss to combine, cover, and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Arrange bell peppers cut side up on a large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Place a slice of mozzarella on four halves. Bake until the cheese melts and peppers are warmed, about 10 minutes.
Place meatballs on the cheese-topped bell pepper halves, sprinkle with more Parmesan. Cover with the remaining bell pepper halves and serve.