Are Subway Meatballs Pork? The Complete Guide

Are you a fan of Subway’s Meatball Marinara sandwich? Have you ever wondered what exactly goes into those delicious meatballs?

Well, you’re not alone. Many people have been curious about the ingredients used in Subway’s meatballs, particularly whether or not they contain pork.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Subway’s meatball recipe and answer the burning question: Are Subway meatballs pork?

Get ready to learn about the ingredients, cooking process, and history of Subway’s famous meatballs. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!

Are Subway Meatballs Pork?

The short answer is no, Subway meatballs do not contain pork. The meatballs are made from a combination of ground beef and ground pork, but the pork is not used in Subway’s recipe. Instead, the meatballs are made from high-quality ground beef and a blend of seasonings to give them their signature flavor.

Subway’s meatball recipe includes ground beef, egg, onion, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs are added to prevent the meatballs from becoming too watery and to absorb the juices from the meat as it cooks.

The marinara sauce used in Subway’s Meatball Marinara sandwich is also fairly simple, containing olive oil, Italian seasonings (including basil, oregano, and thyme), onion, garlic, tomato sauce (or passata), salt, pepper, and water.

Subway’s meatballs are made using a special machine that mixes the cheese, garlic, and onions into the meatball filling before pushing it through a tube-shaped screen. The screen is then tossed onto the grill where the meatballs are placed on a rack and cooked to perfection.

The Ingredients In Subway’s Meatballs

Subway’s meatballs are made using a combination of ground beef and a blend of seasonings. The ground beef used is of high quality and is mixed with an egg to bind it together. Finely chopped onions are also added to the mixture to give it a savory flavor.

To enhance the taste of the meatballs, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper are added. The garlic adds a pungent flavor while the parmesan cheese provides a salty and nutty taste. Salt and pepper are added to taste.

Breadcrumbs are also included in Subway’s meatball recipe. They serve to absorb the juices from the meat as it cooks and prevent the meatballs from becoming too watery.

The Cooking Process Of Subway’s Meatballs

The cooking process of Subway’s meatballs is a crucial step in ensuring that they are cooked to perfection and have the right texture and flavor. To make Subway’s meatballs, the ground beef mixture is shaped into small balls and cooked until they are no longer pink. This can be done by frying them in a pan or baking them in the oven.

To fry the meatballs, a frying pan is heated with three tablespoons of oil on medium heat. Once the pan has heated up, the meatballs are added to the pan and cooked for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure that all sides of each meatball cook and brown evenly. Once they are fully cooked, the meatballs are set aside on a paper towel to allow excess oil to drip off.

To bake the meatballs, they are placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baked in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.

Once the meatballs are cooked, they are added to a pan with olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato sauce (or passata), Italian seasonings (including basil, oregano, and thyme), salt, pepper, and water. The sauce is brought to a simmer before the meatballs are added back in and cooked for several minutes.

To assemble the Meatball Marinara sandwich, a baguette is sliced in half and filled with meatballs and sauce. Then, slices of cheddar cheese and mozzarella are added on top before being baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The History Of Subway’s Meatball Marinara Sandwich

The Meatball Marinara sandwich has been a staple on Subway’s menu for years. It was first introduced in the early 2000s as part of the chain’s push to offer more hot, hearty options to customers. The sandwich quickly became a fan favorite, with customers praising its savory meatballs and tangy marinara sauce.

Over the years, Subway has made some changes to the sandwich to keep it fresh and appealing. In 2015, the chain began offering a “double meat” option for customers who wanted even more protein in their sandwich. And in 2020, Subway announced that it would be testing a plant-based version of the Meatball Marinara sandwich made with Beyond Meat’s plant-based meatballs.

Despite these changes, the Meatball Marinara sandwich remains a popular choice for Subway customers. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on the go. And with its blend of high-quality beef, savory seasonings, and tangy marinara sauce, it’s easy to see why so many people love this sandwich.

Alternative Meatball Options At Subway

For those looking for alternative meatball options at Subway, the Beyond Meatball Marinara sub is a great choice. This plant-based option uses Beyond Meat’s vegan meatball alternative, which is made from a blend of pea protein, rice protein, and mung bean protein. The Beyond Meatball Marinara sub also includes Subway’s classic marinara sauce and cheese, making it a flavorful and satisfying option for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

In addition to the Beyond Meatball Marinara sub, Subway also offers a vegetarian option with its Beyond Meatball Marinara sandwich. This sandwich features the same meatless meatballs as the sub, but is served on a 6-inch roll instead. Despite being vegetarian, this sandwich still packs in 24 grams of protein thanks to the plant-based meatballs.

For those looking to cut calories or limit their meat intake, Subway also offers a salad option with its meatballs. The Meatball Salad includes lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, red onions, and olives topped with Subway’s classic meatballs. This salad is a great way to enjoy the flavor of Subway’s meatballs without the added carbs from the bread.