Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs (Print View)

Tender turkey meatballs in creamy garlic Parmesan sauce on toasted rolls with melted cheese

# What You’ll Need:

→ Turkey Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - Salt to taste

→ Assembly

17 - 4 Italian sub rolls or hoagie rolls
18 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
19 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20 - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined without overworking.
03 - Shape the mixture into 16 even meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
04 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
05 - While meatballs bake, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Simmer until thickened, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
08 - Add baked meatballs to the sauce and turn gently to coat evenly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Preheat broiler. Split sub rolls and brush the insides with olive oil. Toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
10 - Arrange 4 meatballs with sauce in each toasted roll. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top of each sub.
11 - Return subs to the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
12 - Garnish each sub with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ground turkey stays tender and juicy when it's not overworked, making these meatballs feel lighter than beef versions but just as satisfying.
  • The garlic Parmesan cream sauce is the secret weapon—rich enough to feel indulgent but quick enough to make on a regular Tuesday.
  • Everything comes together in under an hour, including the broiler finish that melts the mozzarella into pure comfort.
02 -
  • Don't overwork the meatball mixture or you'll end up with dense, tough balls instead of tender ones that stay juicy through cooking.
  • Keep that milk-whisking continuous when you add it to avoid lumps in your sauce—one distraction and you'll have a textured mess.
03 -
  • Shape your meatballs on a piece of parchment before transferring to the baking sheet—they won't stick and cleanup is instant.
  • Make the sauce while the meatballs bake so you're truly working in parallel and finish within your stated timeframe.
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