Meatball Sub Cupcakes: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Meatball Sub Cupcakes are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine the comforting flavors of a traditional meatball sub, all wrapped up in a fun and portable cupcake form. This innovative recipe not only brings a playful element to your dining experience but also pays homage to the beloved Italian-American dish that has warmed hearts for generations.

People adore Meatball Sub Cupcakes for their unique combination of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled within a soft, cupcake-like base. The texture is a perfect balance of tender and hearty, making each bite a satisfying experience. Plus, they are incredibly convenient for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy family dinner. With Meatball Sub Cupcakes, you can enjoy the flavors you love in a new and exciting way, making them a must-try for any food lover!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
• Olive oil for greasing
• Extra parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meatballs

First things first, let’s get our meatballs ready. This is where the magic begins!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. I love using a mix of meats for added flavor and texture.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. This combination is going to give our meatballs a delicious taste.
3. Using your hands (make sure they’re clean!), mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. Once mixed, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on how big you make them.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatballs ready, it’s time to cook them!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that our meatballs cook evenly and get that nice golden color.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. I always appreciate a little help in the cleanup department!
3. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This helps them cook properly without steaming.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice brown color. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink in the center.
5. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. While they cool, you can prepare the biscuit cups.

Preparing the Biscuit Cups

While the meatballs are cooling, let’s get our biscuit cups ready. This is where we’ll create the perfect vessel for our meatball sub cupcakes!

1. Take your package of refrigerated biscuit dough and open it carefully. I always find it satisfying to pop that can open!
2. On a clean surface, flatten each biscuit with your hands or a rolling pin until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This will help them fit into the muffin tin better.
3. Grease a muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. You want to make sure your biscuit cups come out easily.
4. Press each flattened biscuit into the muffin tin, making sure to cover the bottom and sides. This will create a little cup for our meatballs and sauce.

Assembling the Meatball Sub Cupcakes

Now comes the fun part—assembling our meatball sub cupcakes!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you haven’t already. This is the temperature we’ll use to bake our assembled cupcakes.
2. Take your marinara sauce and spoon a small amount into the bottom of each biscuit cup. This will add flavor and moisture to our cupcakes.
3. Next, place one meatball into each biscuit cup. If you have any leftover meatballs, feel free to add more to your liking!
4. Top each meatball with another spoonful of marinara sauce. This will keep everything nice and saucy.
5. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella

   Conclusion:

   In conclusion, these Meatball Sub Cupcakes are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their friends and family with a fun twist on a classic dish. The combination of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese all nestled in a delightful cupcake form is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can easily switch up the meatballs with turkey or plant-based alternatives, or even experiment with different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for an extra kick. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and let your creativity shine! Whether you serve them as a hearty appetizer at your next party or as a unique dinner option, these Meatball Sub Cupcakes are bound to be a conversation starter. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you try—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy cooking! Print
   

   Meatball Sub Cupcakes: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 55 minutes
   • Yield: 8 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   These Meatball Sub Cupcakes are a delightful and creative take on the classic meatball sub, featuring a savory mix of ground beef and pork baked in flaky biscuit cups. Perfect for parties or family dinners, these bite-sized treats are topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously fun experience.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground beef
   • 1/2 pound ground pork
   • 1 cup breadcrumbs
   • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
   • 1 large egg
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 cup marinara sauce
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
   • Olive oil for greasing
   • Extra parsley for garnish (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
   2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
   3. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   4. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (you should get around 20-24 meatballs).
   5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
   7. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced out evenly.
   8. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
   9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
   10. Open the package of refrigerated biscuit dough.
   11. Flatten each biscuit to about 1/4 inch thick.
   12. Grease a muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray.
   13. Press each flattened biscuit into the muffin tin to create cups.
   14. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   15. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce into the bottom of each biscuit cup.
   16. Place one meatball into each biscuit cup.
   17. Top each meatball with another spoonful of marinara sauce.
   18. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
   19. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   20. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the meatballs with your favorite herbs or spices.
   • You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own for a fresher taste.
   • These cupcakes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 35 minutes