Game-Day Perfect Meatball Sandwich
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Laura's Lean 92% Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs ( (regular, panko, or gluten-free))
- 1 Small Onion (Grated)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Large Sweet Onion (Sliced into rings)
- 1 cup Gluten-free Flour
- 1 cup Buttermilk ((milk + splash of lemon juice or vinegar))
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs ((regular, panko, or gluten-free))
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Olive Oil (for frying)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce ((store-bought or homemade))
- 1 Roasted Red Peppers (Jar (drained and sliced))
- cups Fresh Arugula
- Sturdy Sub Rolls ((toasted or untoasted))
Yield
*Serving calculations based on 16oz beef products.
For 12oz beef products reduce serving size by 1/4.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
Serving size based on 1 cup (242g)
Preparation
For the Meatballs (Makes 12 Sandwiches)
- 2 lbs Laura’s Lean Ground Beef (92% lean)
-
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular, panko, or gluten-free)
-
1 small onion, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Onion Rings
-
1 large sweet onion, sliced into rings
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1 cup gluten-free flour
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1 cup buttermilk (milk + splash of lemon juice or vinegar)
-
1 cup breadcrumbs (regular, panko, or gluten-free)
-
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
Olive oil for frying
For the Sandwiches
-
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 jar roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
-
2–3 cups fresh arugula
-
6–8 sturdy sub rolls, toasted or untoasted
Directions
1. Make the Meatballs
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In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
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Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
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Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
2. Cook the Onion Rings
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Heat oil in a skillet.
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Dip onion rings in flour, then buttermilk, then breadcrumbs seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Fry in batches until golden and crispy (2–3 minutes per side).
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Drain on paper towels.
3. Warm the Marinara & Peppers
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Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan until simmering.
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Add roasted red peppers to warm through.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
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Spoon marinara onto the bottom half of each roll.
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Add 1–2 meatballs, roasted red peppers, one onion ring, and a handful of arugula.
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Drizzle with more marinara, close the roll, and serve hot.
Looking for the ultimate healthy tailgating recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? This Game Day Meatball Sandwich made with Laura’s Lean Ground Beef in collaboration with Domenique Trupia, a Double-Certified Physician Assistant and Functional Medicine Practitioner, is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to a whole new level. Packed with protein and made with 92% lean beef, these tender meatballs are baked instead of fried, making them a lighter option without losing that juicy, savory bite. Layered with marinara sauce, smoky roasted red peppers, fresh arugula, and a crispy onion ring, this beef sandwich recipe delivers all the indulgence you crave in a healthier way.
Perfect for game-day parties, tailgates, or family gatherings, this recipe is both hearty and wholesome. It’s a fun twist on the classic meatball sub, giving you bold flavors while keeping nutrition in mind. Whether you’re planning a football Sunday spread or looking for new healthy game day recipes, this lean beef meatball sandwich is sure to score big with your guests.
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