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Welcome to the delicious world of Veggie Delight Meatball Subs, where the heartiness of classic meatball subs meets a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. This innovative recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome option perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. By incorporating colorful veggies into the meatball mixture, we create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious, catering to the tastes of meat lovers and vegetarian enthusiasts alike.

Simple Veggie-Loaded Meatball Subs

Discover the deliciousness of Veggie Delight Meatball Subs, where classic comfort meets vibrant veggies! This innovative recipe combines hearty meatballs with a medley of fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for family dinners or gatherings. Whether using ground beef, turkey, or plant-based options, each bite is packed with flavor and texture. Elevate your meal with our step-by-step guide, tips on ingredient substitutions, and creative assembly ideas. Perfect for meat lovers and vegetarians alike, it’s a dish everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 cup finely chopped spinach

1/2 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture removed)

1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (any color)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole-wheat)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Subs:

4 whole-grain sub rolls (or your favorite type)

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped spinach, grated zucchini, chopped bell pepper, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

      Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 12-14 uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

        Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.

          Warm the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

            Assemble the Subs: Once the meatballs are done, split the sub rolls and place 3 meatballs in each roll. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the meatballs and top them with shredded mozzarella cheese.

              Melt the Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, add fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your veggie-loaded meatball subs!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4