Gluten-Free, Vegan Meat-less Ball Subs

Remember awhile back during #veganuary when we shared our favorite gluten-free, vegan meat-less ball recipe? Well meat-less balls are pretty much a staple here now—especially since you can freeze them—and #nationalmeatballday is just another excuse to enjoy these flavorful circles of deliciousness. Note: I mentioned in the original post that we had made meatball subs a couple weeks before and am now just getting around to sharing/eating them again. :)

Growing up both LeBraun and I were heavily involved in travel soccer, and when you spend a lot of weekends traveling you tend to get in a routine of what to eat before a game that’s convenient and easily found wherever the tournaments may take you. If there wasn’t a Fazoli’s around, Subway was the next stop.

Obviously this was before I was living red meat, dairy- and gluten-free because my go-to sandwich was a footlong meatball sub with extra sauce! There was something about the combination of the soft bread soaking up the tomato sauce and the hearty, cheese-covered meatballs that made the sandwich such a winner. Dang good, in fact!

Well now that we do typically eat meat-, gluten-and dairy-free, our meatball subs are a bit different these days. Instead of beefy meatballs we enjoy protein-packed quinoa and black bean meat-less balls. Instead of cow dairy Parmesan cheese we enjoy Parm alternatives. Instead of gluten-full, wheat bread from Subway we enjoy a variety of gluten-free breads found locally or brands found at our nearest grocery. All the ingredients are there, just in a new and exciting way.

Therefore in honor of National Meatball Day, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to chow down on our oldie but a goodie sandwich style—the humble meatball sub with a gluten-free, vegan spin. And man oh man did it hit the spot!!!

Enjoy!

---

GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN MEATBALL SUBS

Ingredients

• Studioist Gluten-Free, Vegan Meat-less Balls
• Rao’s Homemade sauce, or tomato sauce of choice (We used Rao’s Arrabbiata for a spicy addition) (n1)
• Gluten-free, vegan hot dog or roll bread (like Schar)
• 1-2 tbsp vegan butter substitute (like Earth Balance)
• Violife Just like Parmesan Wedge or Parm alternative of choice, grated
• 2-3 Basil leaves, finely chopped

Directions

1. Prepare Gluten-Free, Vegan Meat-less Balls according to recipe here.
2. Depending how many subs you are making, when the meat-less balls are just about finished baking add 1 1/2+ cups of the tomato sauce to a sauce pan over medium heat.
3. Stirring frequently until heated.
4. In the meantime set oven to broil.
5. Gently open the number of breads needed for your subs on a baking sheet.
6. Spread vegan butter substitute on the exposed insides of each roll and broil for 4-5 minutes (or more) depending on how “toasted” you prefer your bread.
7. Once tomato sauce is heated, add as many meat-less balls are you need for the subs to the tomato sauce and toss to coat.
8. When bread is “toasted” to your liking, remove from oven.
9. Add meatballs and tomato sauce to rolls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan alternative and basil.
10. Enjoy immediately.

Notes
n1. Rao’s pasta sauces are produced in a gluten-free facility, separate from their pasta facilities. As always, check the ingredients to confirm.

---

Like this? Pin it!

---

Have meat-less balls to spare? Try these delicious recipes!