Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs (Print View)

Tender turkey meatballs in velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, served on warm toasted rolls with melted cheese for a satisfying handheld meal.

# 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 chopped fresh parsley
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 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk
14 - 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - Salt to taste

→ Assembly

17 - 4 soft sub rolls, 6 inches each
18 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
19 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 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, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
03 - Shape mixture into 16 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
04 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes).
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
07 - When meatballs are done, transfer to the sauce and gently toss to coat.
08 - Preheat oven broiler. Split sub rolls and spread insides with softened butter. Place on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and broil 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
09 - Arrange 4 meatballs with sauce in each roll. Sprinkle with mozzarella and broil another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The use of ground turkey makes these meatballs a lighter yet incredibly flavorful alternative to beef.
  • The homemade white cream sauce is savory, garlicky, and much more indulgent than standard marinara.
  • Finishing the subs under the broiler ensures perfectly melted cheese and a satisfyingly crunchy toasted roll.
02 -
  • Avoid overmixing the turkey meatball mixture to keep the texture light and tender rather than dense.
  • Don't skip toasting the buttered rolls; this creates a barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy once the sauce is added.
  • Always check ingredient labels to manage allergens like wheat (found in breadcrumbs and rolls), milk, and egg.
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