easy quinoa beef meatball subs

I am a sucker for a good ol’ MEAT-AH-BALL (said in my best manly Italian voice).

There’s something comforting and nostalgic about this round bite-sized little fellow.

We all remember the movie,”Lady and The Tramp.” One of my favorite scenes….okay, besides when they first introduce the Siamese cats (those cats were effing CRAY) is when Lady and her man are sharing a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs. There is one meatball left and he slides it over to her with his nose and her face lights up with puppy love. I was around seven years-old when I saw this movie and realized that true love is simply about sharing meatballs. DUH!

And this is where I tell you I’ve been sharing meatballs with Mr. B ever since we said, “I do!” Dudes can get behind a meatball, especially if it’s the perfect occasion, um, like football tailgating food. These Easy Quinoa Beef Meatball Subs are a great way to serve up something healthy, but still satisfying at your next football gathering.

I want to especially make it for that guy who couldn’t pronounce quinoa. Remember that commercial? He was doing it all wrong with the frozen quinoa patties. I would like to think he would have enjoyed these quinoa beef meatball subs, don’t you think?

Anyways, share a meatball this tailgating season and tell those Siamese cats that we don’t please.

Print Recipe

Easy Quinoa Beef Meatball Subs

Yield: Makes 3 to 4 subs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup quinoa, cooked
1 pound lean ground beef
2 large eggs, whisked
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
3 whole wheat sub rolls
3/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
Fresh basil, garnish
Parmesan cheese, garnish
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine quinoa, beef, eggs, salt, and pepper. Form into 9 one-inch meatballs. Preheat a skillet to medium heat and add the olive oil. Place the meatballs into the skillet and cook on the first side for about 4 minutes, flip, add the marinara, and continue to cook for additional four minutes. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and place sub rolls on top. Take three meatballs and place them into a roll. Top the meatballs with mozzarella and bake in the oven for at least five minutes or until the cheese is golden. Garnish with basil and Parmesan.

adapted from Food and Wine Magazine

All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate