RECIPE: Venison Meatball Sub with Gremolata
This deliciously comforting meatball sub is a total crowd-pleaser, from the hearty, tender meatballs to the melty cheese and garlicky gremolata. Utterly cravable and undeniably easy, It’s the perfect weeknight meal the whole family will love—and it takes just 45 minutes from start to finish.
Jordan Cabatic
Ingredients
- 1lb pack Maui Nui Ground venison
- 1-2 French baguettes
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet onion, grated or finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup whole milk or bone broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 6-8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup panko
- 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Lightly drizzle a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil.
To prepare the Gremolata, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and allow to sit.
In another medium-sized bowl, combine panko, dry seasonings, beaten egg, and milk. Allow soaking for 1-2 minutes. Then add in onions, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Add in ground venison and mix gently by hand to combine. Do not over-work.
Roll out “golf ball” sized meatballs.
Place meatballs on the baking sheet. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top of the meatballs. Bake in a preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
When meatballs are about 5 minutes out from being done, heat up the marinara sauce in a pot, over low heat.
Once meatballs are fully cooked, add them to the marinara sauce.
Cut French baguette into the desired length. Slice open French baguette and butter on both sides. Lightly toast the French baguette in the oven.
To assemble the subs, place 3-4 meatballs with marinara sauce onto one side of a toasted French baguette. Then add sliced mozzarella cheese. Place in the oven to allow the cheese to melt. Keep a close eye on it while heating to ensure the baguette doesn’t burn.
Finish off with drizzling Gremolata over the melted cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!