Meatball Subs

I made these meatball subs one weekend when I was craving something messy cheesy and satisfying and I didn’t want to settle for a cold sandwich so I decided to make my own homemade meatballs and tuck them into toasted rolls with marinara and melted cheese and the result was so good I almost didn’t want to share. The sauce soaked into the bread just enough the cheese melted perfectly over the top and every bite was hearty and comforting in the best way.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make for a crowd or just for myself and how it feels like a full meal in your hands. Whether I’m serving it on game day with a side of chips or making a fun weeknight dinner these meatball subs are always a hit and there’s never a single one left behind.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ground beef – The base of the meatballs that gives them a juicy, hearty texture.
• Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Egg – Adds moisture and helps hold everything together.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and rich umami to the meatball mixture.
• Garlic – Enhances the flavor with a warm, savory bite.
• Parsley – Brings a touch of freshness and color.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the meatballs just right.
• Marinara sauce – Coats the meatballs and adds that classic Italian flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts over the top for gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Hoagie rolls – The soft but sturdy base that holds everything in place.
• Olive oil – Used for browning the meatballs and brushing the rolls.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To combine the meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Sheet pan or skillet – For baking or pan-searing the meatballs evenly.
• Saucepan – To heat and simmer the marinara sauce.
• Baking dish or oven tray – To assemble and toast the subs with cheese.
• Spoon – For portioning the sauce and layering ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board – For prepping parsley and garlic.
• Grater – To shred mozzarella and Parmesan fresh.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

I start by mixing the ground beef breadcrumbs egg Parmesan garlic parsley salt and pepper in a bowl and I roll the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Then I either bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes or sear them in a skillet until browned and cooked through and while they’re cooking I warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan on the stove.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

Once the meatballs are done I transfer them into the warm marinara sauce and let them simmer for 10 minutes so they soak up all that saucy flavor and stay juicy and tender.

Step 4: Toast the Rolls

I slice the hoagie rolls and brush the insides with olive oil and I pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes until they’re golden and slightly crispy but still soft inside.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

I place three or four meatballs in each toasted roll spoon some extra sauce over them and top with shredded mozzarella and then I return the subs to the oven until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

I like to sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish and serve the subs hot with napkins handy because they’re deliciously messy in the best way.

Tips

If I’m short on time I’ll use frozen meatballs and jarred sauce and it still turns out great. I also love mixing ground pork or sausage with the beef for even more flavor. To make it spicier I’ll add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. Toasting the rolls makes all the difference – it keeps them from getting soggy.

Ways to Serve

These meatball subs are perfect with a side of fries or chips but they’re also great with a crisp salad or roasted veggies if you want to balance things out. You can cut them in half and serve as a party snack or even build mini sliders for game days or gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make meatball subs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them just before assembling the subs.

What kind of bread is best for meatball subs?

Sturdy hoagie or sub rolls are best – they hold the sauce and meatballs without falling apart.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Definitely! Freeze them after baking and reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese for meatball subs?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or even cheddar can be delicious too.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these meatball subs soon! They’re messy cheesy comforting and totally crave-worthy and I’d love to know how you make them your own. Save this recipe for your next weeknight dinner or game day feast – you won’t regret it.

Happy Cooking!

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