Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Meatball Sub is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect balance of tender meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t take much time to prepare, and you can make it your own by adjusting the sauce, cheese, or seasoning to suit your tastes. Plus, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, cheesy, and savory sandwich.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4 sub rolls
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Roll the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully add them to the marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through, leaving one side hinged.
Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto each sub roll, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Place the subs in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the subs from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 subs
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Cheese options: You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for some extra heat.
Different meats: Use turkey or chicken for leaner meatballs, or even try a combination of beef and sausage for more flavor.
Vegetarian option: Make veggie meatballs using lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat substitutes.
Herb options: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or thyme to change the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you only have leftover meatballs and sauce, store them separately and assemble the subs when ready to serve.
Reheating: To reheat, wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the meatballs and sauce separately in the microwave and assemble the sandwich fresh.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought meatballs are a great shortcut. Just heat them in marinara sauce before assembling the subs.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat them in marinara sauce before serving.

What kind of bread is best for meatball subs?

A soft but sturdy sub roll works best, as it can hold up to the meatballs and sauce without getting soggy. You can also use hoagie rolls or Italian bread.

How can I make my meatballs more flavorful?

To add more flavor, you can incorporate different herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, or fennel. Adding a little garlic powder or onion powder to the meat mixture also enhances the flavor.

Can I freeze leftover meatball subs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. If freezing the entire sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes.

Can I use a different sauce for the meatballs?

You can use any sauce you prefer! Try using a creamy Alfredo sauce or pesto for a twist on the traditional marinara.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Toast the sub rolls lightly in the oven before assembling the sandwich, which will help them hold up better against the sauce.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker with marinara sauce on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Then, assemble the subs just before serving.

What can I serve with meatball subs?

You can serve meatball subs with a side of crispy fries, a salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your sub rolls are gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

The Meatball Sub is a perfect combination of flavorful meatballs, savory marinara, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm sub roll. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a snack, this sandwich will satisfy your cravings for comfort food. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and a sure-fire hit for anyone who loves hearty, cheesy sandwiches. Enjoy the deliciousness of this classic!

Meatball Sub

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The Meatball Sub is a hearty and satisfying sandwich, featuring savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled inside a soft, crusty sub roll. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack, this classic comfort food is sure to satisfy any craving.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Category: Lunch/Dinner
Method: Baking & Broiling
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Roll the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully add them to the marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through, leaving one side hinged.
Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto each sub roll, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Place the subs in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the subs from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

Cheese options: You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for some extra heat.
Different meats: Use turkey or chicken for leaner meatballs, or even try a combination of beef and sausage for more flavor.
Vegetarian option: Make veggie meatballs using lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat substitutes.
Herb options: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or thyme to change the flavor profile.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 550
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1000mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg