Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs

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These satisfying subs feature juicy turkey meatballs seasoned with parsley, oregano, and Parmesan, baked until golden. The meatballs then simmer in a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce before being piled into butter-toasted sub rolls and finished with melted mozzarella. The result is a hearty, comforting sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner that delivers protein-rich satisfaction with every bite.

Updated on Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:44:43 GMT
Freshly baked golden turkey meatballs coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted, buttery sub roll and topped with melted mozzarella. Pin It
Freshly baked golden turkey meatballs coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted, buttery sub roll and topped with melted mozzarella. | happysfenj.com

Savor the comfort of home-cooked goodness with these Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs. Featuring juicy turkey meatballs nestled in a decadent, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, these sandwiches are a satisfying twist on a classic favorite.

Freshly baked golden turkey meatballs coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted, buttery sub roll and topped with melted mozzarella. Pin It
Freshly baked golden turkey meatballs coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, nestled in a toasted, buttery sub roll and topped with melted mozzarella. | happysfenj.com

Whether you're looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for game day, these subs deliver massive flavor in every bite. The combination of herbs, garlic, and two types of cheese makes this recipe a guaranteed hit for the whole family.

Ingredients

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  • For the Turkey Meatballs: 500 g (1 lb) ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups whole milk, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, salt to taste
  • For Assembly: 4 soft sub rolls (about 6 inches each), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Step 3
Shape mixture into 16 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4
Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Step 5
While meatballs bake, prepare the garlic Parmesan cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
Step 7
Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 8
When meatballs are done, transfer to the sauce and gently toss to coat.
Step 9
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.
Step 10
Arrange 4 meatballs with sauce in each roll. Sprinkle with mozzarella and broil another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11
Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your meatballs remain tender and juicy, be careful not to overmix the ground turkey mixture. Using a cookie scoop can help you create uniform meatballs so they all cook evenly on the baking sheet.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute ground chicken for the turkey if preferred. For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic Parmesan cream sauce while it simmers.

Serviervorschläge

These rich and savory subs pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce. They also go great with a side of roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries.

Toasted sub rolls filled with savory garlic Parmesan turkey meatballs, smothered in a rich cream sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Pin It
Toasted sub rolls filled with savory garlic Parmesan turkey meatballs, smothered in a rich cream sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. | happysfenj.com

With their perfect blend of garlic, cheese, and tender turkey, these subs are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the gooey, melted goodness and the rich flavor of the Parmesan cream sauce in every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works beautifully as a substitute for turkey in these subs. The cooking time and preparation remain exactly the same, though the flavor will be slightly milder.

How do I store leftovers?

Store meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce-coated meatballs gently on the stovetop and toast fresh rolls when ready to serve.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can form and refrigerate the raw meatballs for up to 24 hours before baking, or bake them completely and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with these subs?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the rich flavors perfectly. Roasted vegetables, potato wedges, or a simple tomato soup also make excellent accompaniments for a complete meal.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the sauce, and serve on gluten-free sub rolls or lettuce wraps instead of traditional rolls.

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Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatball Subs

Tender turkey meatballs in rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce on toasted rolls topped with melted mozzarella.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Lily Hudson


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences None specified

What You 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

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 1 1/4 cups whole milk
05 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 Salt to taste

Assembly

01 4 soft sub rolls, 6 inches each
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Prepare Baking Surface: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Step 03

Shape and Arrange Meatballs: Shape mixture into 16 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake Meatballs: Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Step 05

Create Garlic Base: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 06

Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 07

Finish Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 08

Combine Meatballs with Sauce: Transfer baked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.

Step 09

Toast Sub Rolls: Preheat oven broiler. Split sub rolls and spread insides with softened butter. Place on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Step 10

Assemble Sandwiches: Arrange 4 meatballs with sauce in each roll. Sprinkle with mozzarella and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Oven and broiler
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Not sure? Ask your doctor.
  • Contains wheat from breadcrumbs, rolls, and flour
  • Contains milk from cheese, butter, and milk
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition (per portion)

Numbers here are for information, not as health advice.
  • Caloric Value: 570
  • Fat Content: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein Amount: 38 g

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