Meatball Subs Recipe

Who can resist the delicious combination of tender meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese served in a warm, toasted sub roll? These Meatball Subs are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, and they’re easy to make from scratch. This recipe walks you through everything you need to create the ultimate homemade meatball subs in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 2: Warm the Marinara Sauce

1. Heat the sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Simmer the sauce: Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes (if using), and simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Subs

1. Toast the sub rolls: If you prefer, you can lightly toast the sub rolls in the oven or on a skillet until golden brown.
2. Coat the rolls with sauce: Spread a generous spoonful of marinara sauce on the bottom of each toasted roll.
3. Add the meatballs: Place 3-4 meatballs (depending on the size of your rolls) on each sub, spooning a bit more sauce over the top.
4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the meatballs.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

1. Broil the subs: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Meatball Subs

• Don’t overmix the meatballs: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough instead of tender.
• Customize your cheese: If you love extra cheesy subs, feel free to add more mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan before broiling.
• Use quality rolls: A good sub is only as good as its bread. Try to use fresh, bakery-quality sub rolls for the best results.

Variations

• Spicy Meatball Subs: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or use a mixture of mushrooms and lentils to create a delicious vegetarian filling.
• Meatball Sliders: Make mini meatballs and serve them in smaller rolls or slider buns for a fun appetizer or snack.

FAQs

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them after baking. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge and heat them in marinara sauce before assembling the subs.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

• Yes, for a quicker version, you can use frozen or pre-made meatballs. Just heat them according to package instructions before assembling your subs.

3. How do I store leftover subs?

• Store any leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I add veggies to my meatball subs?

• Definitely! Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the subs for extra flavor and texture.

5. What can I serve with meatball subs?

• Meatball subs pair well with a side of fries, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Meatball Subs are the perfect blend of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in a toasted sub roll. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing game day meal, these subs are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy them with your favorite sides and savor the comforting flavors in every bite!

Yield: 4

Meatball Subs Recipe

Print

Who can resist the delicious combination of tender meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese served in a warm, toasted sub roll? These Meatball Subs are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, and they’re easy to make from scratch. This recipe walks you through everything you need to create the ultimate homemade meatball subs in no time!

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for moisture)
• For the Marinara Sauce:
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Subs:
• 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Butter (for toasting the rolls, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
   Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
   Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
5. Heat the Marinara Sauce:
   While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Once heated, keep the sauce warm on low heat.
6. Toast the Rolls (Optional):
   Split the hoagie or sub rolls and spread a little butter on the insides. Toast the rolls in the oven for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.
7. Assemble the Subs:
   Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce and gently toss to coat. Place 3-4 meatballs in each toasted roll. Top with a generous amount of marinara sauce.
8. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or provolone) on top of the meatballs. Place the subs back in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve the meatball subs hot.

Notes

Customize the Meat: You can use a mix of ground beef and pork, or even substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Extra Saucy: If you love saucy subs, keep extra marinara on the side for dipping or pouring over the top.

Cheese Variations: Try using provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.