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Turkey Meatball Sandwich
The thing I love so much about a meatball is all the different ways it can be used. I think most people think of a meatball as very pedestrian. That is just not true. This turkey meatball sandwich is so well balanced and packed with flavor from the meatball, the marinara sauce, the cheese and a good roll. I sound so Guy Fieri with that description. If you don’t know who he is, then you don’t watch the Food Network. He is the host of Diners, Drive-in & Dives.
Turkey Meatball Sandwich
There is something so comforting, so primal about eating a sandwich. Not a sandwich on just bread but a hearty, sink your teeth into sandwich. This turkey meatball sandwich may not seem to have a lot of depth but the flavors meld so well together. The meatball has great texture and super flavor. The marinara sauce compliments the meatball so well, and then, the cheese adds such a good compliment with its creaminess.
The meatball is prevalent in so many cultures but I think the Italian version is the best. Sorry but I am just saying what I like. The original way I served these turkey meatballs was in the traditional way over spaghetti and topped with marinara sauce. I should actually call these chicken and turkey meatballs. 1/3 of the mixture is ground chicken. The chicken adds a little more moisture which is needed in a white meat meatball.
Italian Turkey Meatball
- ¼ loaf of challah, broken with your hands
- ½ to ¾ cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1/8 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/8 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey meat
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 ¼ pound ground Italian seasoned ground turkey
- 1 hearty Italian roll
- 1/4 cup of marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- In a large bowl, combine the challah and milk. Next, add the parmesan, basil, parsley, tomato paste, salt, pepper, eggs, and garlic. Using a spoon, work all the ingredients together. Add the ground turkey, chicken and sausage meat. Using fingers, gently mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Using your hands, form the meat mixture into fairly large meatballs. Place the meatballs on a heavy nonstick baking sheet, spacing apart. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until cooked through, 20 – 25 minutes.
- Cut open the Italian roll. Add 2 meatballs.
- Pour the marinara over the meatballs.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella.
- Place on a baking tray in a 325 degree oven and bake for approximately 5 minutes. It is ready when the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy!
Meatball Ingredients
The milk soaked challah and the parsley added.
Challah and Milk
Parsley Added to Challah
The meatball mixture includes ground turkey and chicken, and then, formed prior to baking.
Ground Turkey & Chicken Mixture
Ingredients in Bowl
Meatballs on Tray
The marinara ingredients and the cooking process.
Marinara Ingredients
Cut Veggies
Wine Added
Tomatoes Added
Marinara Sauce Simmering
The whole sandwich assembled.
The Turkey Meatball Sandwich
That sandwich looks so good. Nothing beats a great tasting sandwich any night of the week.
Agreed. I typically save them up for Sundays.
I would have to agree that a good meatball sandwich is something special! I love that you make the meatballs with turkey too! Great looking sandwich. I’ll take 2 please…
Use turkey a lot. Especially if I want my wife to eat it too.
I love a meatball sub and think turkey would be a great sub to keep it a bit healthier. Looks like you’ve added some great flavors to give this sandwich great punch. Yum!
Thank you very much Ali.
We had these last night and they were FABULOUS! Thanks for the great recipe!
That is so funny. It is true comfort food.
I’m looking at this sandwich thinking to myself: “Oh, I do need this in my life!” My family would love this as they love sandwiches and meatballs!
You made me laugh. Life should be so simple. It would be great if your family gave you kudos for these.
Soooooo craving meatballs lately—-What a fantastic way to serve them. Challah bread in the meatball. What that I upper crust! Ha!
THx for the laugh Carol and I am glad you like it!
The sandwich is so perfect. I love the flavor combinations and presentation
It did not last long Rini.
Awesome Peter, we love turkey meatball subs here!!
Pure comfort food Tara.
This is my OH’s thing so I have sent this recipe straight to him. Here is hoping he makes it for us.
I hope he does too!
What a fabulous meatball recipe! These sandwiches look amazing! YUM
oh my do these meatballs look delicious. I absolutely love that you used challah – that’s brilliant.