Build-Your-Own Meatball Sub Platter
September may as well be nicknamed “Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas Month,” because let’s face it: that’s what everyone is looking for.
By the time October hits, we might be in the swing of things enough to focus on some long-simmered stews and magnificent baking projects, but for now, let’s just get dinner on the table as quick as we can.
I know that it can be hard to find time to cook dinner from scratch, but I’m a big believer in letting the grocery store help you out a little bit.
Combine some recipe-ready items like frozen meatballs with a few things you’ve prepared yourself, and you’re good to go.
Who doesn’t like a good meatball sub? Since I’m all about party platters, I thought it’d be fun to load a big cutting board with all the fixings for fancy meatball subs, and let everybody build their own adventure.
Feel free to use whatever toppings and sauces you prefer. Here, I’ve included sautéed bell peppers and onions (if you have extra, try a batch of my fajitas veggies), marinara sauce, pesto ranch dressing, spinach, Provolone and Parmesan cheeses, and red pepper flakes for spice
Build-Your-Own Meatball Sub Platter
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen Italian-style meatballs 24 ounces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons ranch dressing*
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto*
- 6 hoagie buns
- 6 slices Provolone cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ¾ cup marinara sauce warmed
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare meatballs according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, green pepper and red pepper. Cook 4 to 6 minutes or until softened. Transfer peppers to small bowl and repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and onion. Transfer softened onion to separate small bowl.
- In small bowl, stir together ranch dressing and pesto.
- On large cutting board or platter, arrange hoagie buns, Provolone cheese, spinach, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, meatballs, bell peppers and onion.
These meatballs sound like the perfect quick dinner fix, because lets be honest, we all need those every now and then 🙂
Thanks Gina!
Meatball subs are my kids’ favorite! I need to do this for them soon!
Thanks Amanda! Kids would love this, for sure.
My husband just walked by and said “oh are we doing that?” So I guess I’m doing this. Thanks for the idea! Off to make meatballs.
Ahhhh ha ha! These husbands. That happens so often in my house, too. Don’t they realize we are too busy making our own recipes? 😉
I love those meatballs! What a great dinner idea.
Thanks Dorothy. The meatballs themselves are so darn flavorful that most of the time, I just eat them on their own!