Low Sodium Classic Meatball Sandwich
Savor the rich, hearty flavors of an Italian-American favorite with this Low Sodium Classic Meatball Sandwich, a healthier take on a timeless comfort food. Perfectly seasoned lean ground beef meatballs are simmered in a robust low-sodium tomato sauce and tucked into wholesome, toasted whole-grain hoagie rolls. A sprinkle of melted low-sodium mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves add irresistible creaminess and a burst of freshness to every bite. With simple ingredients like unsalted bread crumbs, low-sodium Parmesan, and aromatic garlic and oregano, this recipe balances flavor and health-conscious cooking. Ready in under an hour, it's the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (unsalted)
- 0.25 cup milk (low-fat or non-dairy milk)
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups low sodium tomato sauce
- 4 large whole-grain hoagie rolls
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (low sodium, shredded)
- 8 leaves fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, unsalted bread crumbs, milk, egg, low sodium Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. You might need to do this in batches.
Remove the browned meatballs and drain the excess fat from the skillet. Return all meatballs to the skillet.
Pour the low sodium tomato sauce over the meatballs. Cover the skillet and let them simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Slice the hoagie rolls and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast them lightly in the preheated oven, about 5 minutes.
To assemble the sandwich, place 4 meatballs in each roll, spoon over a generous amount of tomato sauce, and sprinkle with low sodium mozzarella cheese.
Return the assembled sandwiches to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven. Garnish each sandwich with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3753 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.6 g | 224% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.5 g | 332% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 692 mg | 231% | |
| Sodium | 4141 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 321.4 g | 117% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.2 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.3 g | ||
| Protein | 238.5 g | 477% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 2136 mg | 164% | |
| Iron | 34.7 mg | 193% | |
| Potassium | 4180 mg | 89% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
