Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a delicious twist, this meatball sub is a perfect choice. Packed with tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, it’s everything you want in a sandwich—warm, hearty, and satisfying. The combination of rich, savory meatballs, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled in a soft sub roll, makes for an irresistible meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4 sub rolls
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until fully combined.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done, carefully place them in the marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
Split the sub rolls lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet.
Spoon the meatballs and sauce into each sub roll and top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake the subs in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Chicken Meatballs: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Vegan Meatball Sub: Use plant-based meatballs or make your own with lentils or soy protein.
Spicy Meatball Sub: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for an extra kick.
Cheese Options: Experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
Grilled Sub Rolls: Grill the sub rolls before filling them for a crispy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave individual subs for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Adding extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor of the meatballs. Don’t forget to salt them well for maximum flavor.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months before baking.

What type of bread works best for a meatball sub?

Sub rolls, hoagie rolls, or any soft yet sturdy sandwich rolls work well for meatball subs. Make sure they can hold the weight of the meatballs and sauce without getting soggy.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce will take your meatball sub to the next level, adding a personal touch to the dish. Simply use your favorite marinara recipe.

How do I prevent the subs from getting soggy?

To keep your meatball sub from becoming soggy, make sure to toast the sub rolls before filling them with sauce and meatballs. Additionally, you can spoon out any excess liquid from the sauce before adding it to the rolls.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free sub roll to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I freeze the assembled meatball sub?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled sub with the bread, as the bread may become soggy upon reheating. However, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately and assemble the sub when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?

Sure! If you’re short on time, using store-bought meatballs is a quick and easy option. Just heat them in your marinara sauce and proceed with the recipe.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or drizzle some spicy marinara sauce over the top of the sub.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! You can use provolone, cheddar, or a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor. Just make sure it melts well.

Conclusion

A meatball sub is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you stick with the classic beef meatballs or experiment with variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up for dinner, lunch, or even as a game-day snack, and enjoy a deliciously cheesy, savory sandwich that hits all the right notes!

Meatball Sub

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This Meatball Sub recipe is a perfect comfort food option! Tender meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese are served in a soft sub roll for a hearty, satisfying sandwich. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you’ll love this classic, cheesy sub, perfect for dinner or a quick lunch. Customize with variations like chicken meatballs or vegan options for a unique twist.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 45min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well.
Shape the mixture into meatballs (1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and gently coat them.
Split the sub rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon meatballs and sauce into rolls, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

To prevent soggy subs, toast the rolls before filling them with sauce and meatballs.
Customize with spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes for heat.