Introduction

Enjoy a comforting and delicious Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub that’s perfect for busy evenings. This recipe brings together juicy meatballs and savory marinara sauce tucked inside soft bread for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of several toasted meatball subs on a baking tray. Each sub is a white bun, slightly browned and toasted on the edges. Inside each bun, there are round meatballs covered in a thick layer of tomato sauce. On top of the meatballs and sauce is a thick layer of melted, slightly browned mozzarella cheese that stretches and bubbles with some golden brown spots. The subs sit closely together, filling the frame. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1-2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. If using frozen meatballs, skip this step.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes for fresh, or heated through if frozen).
Step 4: Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the meatballs to soak up the sauce.
Step 5: Spoon meatballs and sauce onto sub rolls or hoagie buns. Serve immediately, optionally topped with melted cheese or fresh basil.

Tips & Variations

For a cheesy twist, add slices of mozzarella or provolone to the sub and broil for 2 minutes until melted.
Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Try adding sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and crunch.
To save time, frozen meatballs work perfectly and can be heated directly in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep bread from getting soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows six baked meatball subs placed close together on a dark textured tray. Each sub has a lightly browned, soft white bun split open and filled with several round, dark brown meatballs covered with a rich, chunky red tomato sauce. A thick layer of melted mozzarella cheese, golden and bubbly with browned spots, covers the top of the meatballs and sauce, spilling slightly over the edges of the buns. The subs have a slightly toasted look on the buns' edges and cheese, creating a warm and appetizing texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs in advance, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for longer. Reheat in marinara sauce before assembling the subs.

What kind of bread is best for meatball subs?

Soft yet sturdy rolls like hoagie buns or Italian sub rolls work best to hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart.

Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 139 reviews

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy hearty meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, served on a soft sub roll. Perfect for a comforting dinner or lunch, it combines juicy seasoned meatballs with gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal anyone will love.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sub Assembly

24 homemade or frozen meatballs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
4–6 sub rolls (optional, typically 6-inch rolls)
Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (optional, usually about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)

Instructions

Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
Shape and cook meatballs: Form the mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes total. Alternatively, use frozen cooked meatballs, thawed before use.
Simmer meatballs in sauce: Add the cooked meatballs to a saucepan with marinara sauce. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and heat through thoroughly.
Assemble subs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the sub rolls open lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Place 5-6 meatballs with sauce in each roll, spoon extra sauce on top, and optionally sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese generously over the meatballs.
Bake to melt cheese: Place assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly toasted.
Serve: Remove from oven carefully and serve the meatball subs hot. Enjoy your quick, satisfying meal!

Notes

For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken ground meat instead of beef.
Frozen meatballs can save time; just be sure to thaw and heat them thoroughly in the marinara sauce.
Add fresh basil or parsley to the sauce for extra flavor.
Use provolone or mozzarella cheese for best melting and taste.
Sub rolls can be toasted before assembling for added crunch.

Keywords: meatball sub, easy meatball sandwich, weeknight dinner, Italian sandwich, homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, sub sandwich