Meatball Marinara Subs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all packed into a warm, crusty sub roll. These sandwiches are easy to make, incredibly filling, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a satisfying handheld meal, this recipe delivers classic Italian-American flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s simple enough for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

For the marinara sauce:

• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the subs:

• Sub rolls or hoagie buns
• Mozzarella cheese or provolone, sliced or shredded
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
2. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and a pinch of sugar if needed.
5. Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 25–30 minutes until cooked through and flavorful.
6. Preheat your broiler.
7. Slice the sub rolls and toast lightly under the broiler, if desired.
8. Fill each roll with several meatballs and spoon marinara sauce over the top.
9. Add slices or a generous sprinkle of cheese and place the subs under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4–6 subs.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage in the meatball mix.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for a cheesy crust.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap meatballs for store-bought or homemade veggie meatballs.
• Garlic Bread Subs: Brush the rolls with garlic butter before toasting for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Toast fresh rolls and assemble just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
Meatballs and sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of bread should I use for meatball subs?

Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or any sturdy sandwich roll that can hold sauce and cheese without falling apart are ideal.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or frozen for longer storage.

Is store-bought marinara okay to use?

Absolutely. You can use your favorite jarred marinara sauce for convenience.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then simmer them in the sauce.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the bread before adding the meatballs, and don’t overdo it on the sauce.

What cheese melts best for these subs?

Mozzarella and provolone are the most common choices for their meltability and mild flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free rolls for an easy gluten-free version.

What side dishes go well with meatball subs?

Serve with a side salad, potato wedges, coleslaw, or chips for a complete meal.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, just heat them through in the marinara sauce before assembling the subs.

How can I make these for a crowd?

Double or triple the recipe and set up a build-your-own sub station with buns, meatballs, sauce, and cheese.

Conclusion

Meatball Marinara Subs are a timeless, hearty meal that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With juicy meatballs, a rich homemade sauce, and melty cheese tucked into warm sub rolls, this dish is always a hit. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests, these sandwiches deliver bold, satisfying flavor with minimal fuss.

Meatball Marinara Subs

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Meatball Marinara Subs are hearty, cheesy sandwiches filled with tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato marinara sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella or provolone and served on toasted sub rolls. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop + Broiler
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)

For the Subs:

• 4–6 sub rolls or hoagie buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. Roll into evenly sized meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and sugar if using. Stir well.
5. Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked and flavorful.
6. Preheat broiler. Slice sub rolls and toast lightly if desired.
7. Fill each roll with meatballs and spoon marinara sauce over top. Add cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Bake meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes as an alternative to frying.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• For extra flavor, brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting.
• Make ahead: freeze meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months.
• Use store-bought marinara for a time-saving shortcut.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sub
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 970mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg