Why You’ll Love these Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals that everyone at the table will devour, these Italian Turkey Meatball Subs truly hit the spot.
I’m obsessed with how these subs strike the perfect balance between comfort food and healthier eating, using lean ground turkey instead of beef.
What makes these irresistible? The meatballs stay incredibly juicy thanks to that splash of cooking sherry, while the adobo seasoning adds a subtle kick.
Can you imagine anything better than melty mozzarella cascading over tender meatballs nestled in crusty French bread?
Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare – just mix, bake, assemble, and enjoy!
What Ingredients are in Italian Turkey Meatball Subs?
Creating Italian turkey meatball subs at home is so much easier than you might think, and the ingredients are surprisingly straightforward.
I love that most of these items are pantry staples you probably already have on hand, which makes this recipe perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without running to the store. The combination of seasonings gives these meatballs their distinctly Italian flavor profile, while using ground turkey creates a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking sherry
- 2 teaspoons steak sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 dash adobo seasoning
- 1 (8 ounce) jar prepared spaghetti sauce (or about 1 cup homemade)
- 2 loaves French bread (Pepperidge Farms recommended) or other crusty bread
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
When shopping for these ingredients, quality makes a difference, especially with the bread and cheese.
Look for French bread that has a nice crispy exterior but soft interior to hold up to the sauce without getting soggy. The mozzarella should be full-fat for the best melting properties—those stretchy cheese pulls are what make a meatball sub truly Instagram-worthy, right?
And while prepared spaghetti sauce works perfectly, don’t hesitate to use homemade if you have some on hand. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility with whatever you’ve got in your kitchen.
How to Make these Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
Making these Italian turkey meatball subs is all about layering flavors, starting with perfectly seasoned meatballs. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey with 1/2 medium finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
This base gets its distinctive flavor from 2 tablespoons of cooking sherry, 2 teaspoons of steak sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Add 1 beaten large egg to bind everything together. The mixture should feel moist but still hold its shape when you roll it between your palms. Sometimes I’ll dampen my hands slightly before forming the meatballs—it helps prevent sticking and makes the process much less messy.
Once you’ve formed about 16 medium-sized meatballs, arrange them on a foil-lined baking sheet (trust me, you’ll thank yourself when cleanup time comes around). Sprinkle a dash of adobo seasoning over them for that extra flavor dimension. For easier and more consistent mixing of ingredients, a premium stand mixer can make the process much more efficient and thorough.
Pop them into a 375°F oven for about 40 minutes, or until they’re completely cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, warm your French bread loaves in the oven during the last few minutes to get them crusty on the outside while maintaining that soft interior—the perfect vessel for our saucy meatballs.
Assembly is where the magic happens. Slice each warm loaf lengthwise and arrange a layer of meatballs inside. Spoon your 8-ounce jar of prepared spaghetti sauce generously over the meatballs, then top with a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.
For the most even browning and perfect texture, consider using a premium chef skillet to quickly reheat your meatballs before assembly if they’ve cooled too much during preparation.
Return the assembled subs to the oven at a lower temperature of 325°F just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Can anything beat that moment when the cheese stretches as you pull your knife through to cut each loaf in half? I think not.
These subs are best served immediately while everything is hot and the bread still has that fantastic textural contrast between crisp exterior and soft, sauce-soaked interior.
Italian Turkey Meatball Subs Substitutions and Variations
Although these Italian turkey meatball subs are delicious as written, I love how versatile this recipe can be with just a few simple swaps.
Try ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile. Not a fan of French bread? Hoagie rolls or ciabatta make excellent alternatives.
You can easily customize the sauce too—marinara, arrabbiata for heat, or even a creamy vodka sauce, why not?
For cheese options, provolone offers a sharper taste than mozzarella, while a sprinkle of parmesan adds wonderful nuttiness.
Veggie lovers, add roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms between the sauce and cheese.
What to Serve with Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
These hearty Italian turkey meatball subs deserve perfect accompaniments to round out your meal. I love pairing them with a crisp garden salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette – the fresh vegetables provide a nice contrast to the savory sandwich.
Garlic-parmesan potato wedges are another fantastic option, crunchy outside and fluffy inside. For something lighter, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini complement the Italian flavors beautifully.
And honestly, who can resist a side of pickle spears for that acidic crunch? A cold glass of lemonade or Italian soda ties everything together for a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
Final Thoughts
From side dishes to the main event, Italian turkey meatball subs bring so much joy to the dinner table.
There’s something magical about biting into that crusty bread, hitting those savory meatballs, and watching the cheese stretch with every bite.
I love how versatile these subs are—perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekend lunches, or even game day gatherings.
The turkey keeps things lighter than traditional beef, but trust me, you won’t miss a thing in the flavor department.
Can you think of a more satisfying handheld meal?
For a fresh complement to your sandwich, consider serving alongside a vibrant veggie pasta salad with Italian dressing and colorful vegetables.
Simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, enormous satisfaction.
That’s what good cooking is all about.
If you’re looking for another family-friendly option, try making a hearty classic meatloaf with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and chopped vegetables.
