Meatball Sub Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 lbGround beef$6.50
• 1/2 cupBreadcrumbs$0.45
• 1Egg$0.69
• 2Garlic cloves$0.10
• 1 tspItalian seasoning$0.02
• 3/4 tspSalt—
• 1/4 tspBlack pepper$0.04
• 1 tbspOlive oil$0.24
• 24 ozMarinara$3.20
• 6 ozMozzarella$3.80
• 4Bread rolls$3.60
• Total for 4 servings$18.64

Most of the cost is ground beef ($6.50) and mozzarella ($3.80). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $11.13. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Gently mix until just incorporated without compacting the meat, then shape into 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides until well-seared, turning occasionally, about 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Pour the marinara over and around the meatballs and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) with no pink remaining in the center, 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Uncover, scatter the mozzarella evenly over the meatballs and sauce, then cover with the lid and cook over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and let rest uncovered for 2 minutes before serving.
7. Open the split bread rolls and spoon four meatballs with sauce and melted cheese into each roll to serve warm.