Meatball Sandwich Recipe

Lentils: Cooked and mashed to form the base of the meatballs.

Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatballs and add texture.

Flaxseed meal: Mixed with water to act as an egg substitute and binder.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of sweetness.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the meatballs a classic Italian flavor.

Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the mixture.

Marinara sauce: Used to top the meatballs in the sandwich, providing a rich tomato flavor.

Hoagie rolls: Split and used to hold the meatballs and sauce.

When forming the meatballs, ensure they are compact and uniform in size. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their shape. If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, for extra flavor, consider lightly toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling the sandwich.

• mashed cooked lentils - Substitute with mashed chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can help bind the ingredients together while keeping the recipe gluten-free.

• flaxseed meal mixed with water - Substitute with chia seeds mixed with water: Chia seeds create a similar gel-like consistency that acts as a binding agent.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions provide a stronger, more natural flavor compared to onion powder.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs that can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and provides a similar umami flavor.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce can offer a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.

• split hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole grain rolls: Whole grain rolls provide more fiber and nutrients, making the sandwich healthier.

• Allow the lentil meatballs to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled lentil meatballs in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the lentil meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• For longer storage, freeze the lentil meatballs by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen lentil meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Store the marinara sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
• For freezing, pour the marinara sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Keep the hoagie rolls in a bread box or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
• Assemble the meatball sandwiches just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the meatball sandwiches in aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are warmed through and the hoagie rolls are toasty.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the meatball sandwiches on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the meatball sandwiches in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the skillet to create steam. Place the meatball sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the meatball sandwiches in aluminum foil and place them on the rack. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are hot and the hoagie rolls are crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the lentil meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine mashed lentils, breadcrumbs, flaxseed meal mixture, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and soy sauce.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the formed lentil meatballs for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the lentil meatballs from sticking.

• Saucepan: Used to warm the marinara sauce over medium heat.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients in the mixing bowl and to turn the meatballs halfway through baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the lentils, breadcrumbs, and marinara sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the flaxseed meal, water, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and soy sauce.

• Hoagie rolls: Used to hold the baked lentil meatballs and marinara sauce for serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Mash the lentils and mix the flaxseed meal with water the night before.

Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Save time by using store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own.

Batch cooking: Double the meatball mixture and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Preheat efficiently: Preheat the oven while you mix the ingredients to save time.

Quick sauce heating: Warm the marinara sauce in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Assemble smartly: Lay out the hoagie rolls and other components while the meatballs bake.