Meatball Sub Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a classic, hearty Meatball Sub that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in marinara sauce are topped with melted cheese and nestled in toasty sub rolls for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1½ cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes to cook through and absorb flavor.
4. Step 4: While the meatballs simmer, split the sub rolls, butter them lightly, and toast under the broiler until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Spread half of the shredded mozzarella over the bottom halves of the toasted rolls. Place 5 meatballs in each roll, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Broil the assembled sandwiches briefly until the cheese melts and becomes lightly browned.
7. Step 7: If desired, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce.
• Try using a mix of ground beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
• Make your own marinara sauce for a fresher taste.
• Leftover meatballs can be served over pasta or on their own with extra sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatball subs wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to keep the bread crispy and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

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. Store them in an airtight container with sauce and reheat gently before assembling the sandwiches.

What can I use instead of sub rolls?

If you don’t have sub rolls, hoagie buns, baguettes, or even sturdy sandwich bread can work well for holding the meatballs and sauce.

Meatball Sub Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

A classic Meatball Sub recipe featuring juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, served on toasted sub rolls with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty, comforting sandwich meal.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients

• 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1½ cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Roll the mixture into 1-inch sized meatballs for even cooking.
2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them on all sides, ensuring a nice crust forms. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Simmer with Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavorful sauce.
4. Prepare the Rolls: While the meatballs simmer, split the sub rolls in half, butter them lightly, and place them under the broiler until toasted and golden brown. This step adds crispness and enhances the flavor of the sandwich.
5. Assemble the Subs: Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom halves of the toasted rolls. Place five meatballs onto each roll, spooning some sauce over them. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler again just until the cheese melts and gets lightly browned and bubbly, which should only take a few minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle the sandwiches with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot and melty for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with a mixture of ground pork and beef for extra flavor.
• Use gluten-free bread crumbs and rolls to make this recipe gluten-free.
• To add spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture or marinara sauce.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• For a crispier crust, toast the rolls longer under the broiler but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Keywords: Meatball Sub, Italian Sandwich, Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Sub Roll, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner