Cheesy Ground Beef Garlic Bread Subs

Cheesy Ground Beef Garlic Bread Subs take the delicious concept of our garlic bread boats and transform them into individual, hand-held sub sandwiches. By using crusty hoagie rolls buttered with garlic herbs, loading them with savory seasoned ground beef, and melting cheese over the top, you get an ultimate comfort food dinner that is easy to serve and eat.

Ingredients

• The Sub Base:
  • 4 to 6 crusty hoagie rolls or French sub rolls
• The Garlic Butter Spread:
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• The Beef Filling:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup no-salt-added tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
  • Black pepper to taste
• The Cheese:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and provolone (or cheddar) cheese blend

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise (like a traditional sub sandwich), hinging them open. Gently hollow out just a tiny bit of the soft interior bread on both sides if you want extra room for the filling.
3. Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Spread this generously across the inside of each sub roll.
4. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and diced onion until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Season and Simmer: Stir the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and tomato paste into the beef. Let it simmer for 3 minutes until thick and aromatic.
6. Toast the Bread: Place the buttered sub rolls on your baking sheet and bake for about 4 to 5 minutes until the garlic butter melts and the edges turn lightly golden.
7. Fill and Top: Spoon the warm, savory ground beef mixture generously into each toasted roll. Cover the beef generously with your shredded cheese blend.
8. Melt to Perfection: Return the loaded subs to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden. Serve warm!

A Heart-Healthy Pairing