Meatball Marinara Subs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These subs are packed with bold Italian flavor and are incredibly easy to make. You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs and marinara sauce, making it a flexible meal for any schedule. The combination of savory meatballs, zesty tomato sauce, and melty cheese on warm bread is crave-worthy and comforting, all in one bite.

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
egg
Parmesan cheese, grated
garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
sub rolls or hoagie buns
mozzarella cheese, shredded
butter or olive oil (for toasting rolls)
optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, warm marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Meanwhile, slice sub rolls and lightly toast with butter or olive oil in the oven or a skillet until golden.
8. Fill each roll with 3–4 meatballs and spoon extra sauce over top.
9. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people (makes 4 subs).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use frozen meatballs: Save time by using pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Just simmer them in sauce until heated through.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in the meatball mix.
• Cheese lovers: Mix provolone or Parmesan with mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sub rolls.
• Turkey or chicken meatballs: Swap beef for leaner ground turkey or chicken.
• Herb-infused sauce: Add fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary to the marinara.
• Garlic bread sub: Brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting for an extra flavor boost.
• Veggie version: Use plant-based meatballs and dairy-free cheese.
• Mini subs: Use slider rolls for party-size sandwiches.
• Add toppings: Try sautéed onions, bell peppers, or olives for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm meatballs and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. Toast fresh sub rolls and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, store-bought meatballs are a great time-saver and work well in this recipe.

What’s the best bread for meatball subs?

Sub rolls, hoagie buns, or ciabatta work best—they’re sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake and refrigerate or freeze the meatballs, then reheat in marinara sauce when ready to serve.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes, a good-quality jarred sauce makes this recipe quick and easy. You can also use homemade sauce if you prefer.

How do I keep the subs from getting soggy?

Toast the bread before adding the meatballs, and drain excess sauce if needed. This helps prevent sogginess.

Can I cook the meatballs in the sauce instead of baking?

Yes, but browning them in the oven or pan first adds better texture and flavor.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love these cheesy, saucy subs. You can even make mini versions for smaller appetites.

What cheese melts best for subs?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend also work great.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetarian meatballs and marinara, and top with plant-based cheese if needed.

What sides go well with meatball subs?

Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, chips, or garlic fries for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Meatball Marinara Subs are a timeless, hearty favorite that never disappoints. From the juicy, flavorful meatballs to the melty cheese and toasty roll, every bite is packed with savory satisfaction. Whether you’re making them for dinner, game day, or a party, these subs are always a winning choice—and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.

Meatball Marinara Subs

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Meatball Marinara Subs are hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—featuring juicy meatballs simmered in marinara, nestled in toasted sub rolls, and topped with melty mozzarella. Perfect for an easy dinner or game day crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Baking + Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork blend)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for toasting rolls)
• Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, warm marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Slice sub rolls and lightly toast with butter or olive oil in the oven or a skillet until golden.
8. Fill each roll with 3–4 meatballs and spoon extra marinara over top.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each sub and return to oven for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Use frozen meatballs and jarred sauce for a quick version.
• Toast rolls before assembling to prevent sogginess.
• Try provolone or a cheese blend for added flavor.
• Meatballs and sauce can be made ahead or frozen.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sub
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 105mg