Meatball Subs – If you’re a fan of hearty sandwiches, then this recipe for the Best Meatball Subs is exactly what you need in your life! These subs are loaded with flavorful meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all nestled between buttery toasted sub rolls. It’s the ultimate comfort food that is perfect for satisfying your cravings any time of the day. Trust us; you won’t be able to resist!
I still remember the day I first made these meatball subs for my husband. He took one bite and instantly fell in love with them. Since then, it has become a regular in our household, and my little family always requests it whenever we want something comforting and delicious. It’s always a hit with everyone who tries it, and it’s an excellent dish for family dinners or game nights with friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Why This Meatball Sub Recipe Is Worth Trying?
- These meatball subs are easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- The meatballs are tender, flavorful, and made with simple yet delicious ingredients like Parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil.
- The addition of marinara sauce and gooey cheese takes these subs to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- The toasted sub rolls add a perfect crunch to the sandwich, making every bite heavenly.
Ingredients:
- 454 g (1 lb.) lean ground beef
- 57 g (1/2 cup) Italian bread crumbs (see notes)
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 473 ml (2 cups) marinara sauce (or pasta sauce)
- 4 sub rolls
- 170 g (1 1/2 cups) finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley (optional)
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. Drain any excess grease. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
While the meatballs are simmering, split, butter, and toast the sub rolls under the broiler.
Spread half of the cheese over the bottom of the rolls. Place 5 meatballs in each roll and top with the remainder of the cheese. Broil the sandwiches just until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve promptly.
Notes:
- You can use ground turkey or a mixture of ground beef and pork instead of lean ground beef.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute almond flour for bread crumbs.
- If you prefer a spicier meatball sub, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
In conclusion, this Best Meatball Sub Recipe is a classic and delicious comfort food that is easy to make at home. The homemade meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, and the marinara sauce is rich and hearty. Toasted sub rolls and melted mozzarella cheese complete the sandwich and make it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can whip up this meatball sub in no time and enjoy a homemade version of a beloved favorite. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s the best!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Mozzarella is a classic choice for meatball subs, but you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the meatballs up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Or, you can freeze the meatballs before cooking and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! If you don’t have time to make homemade marinara sauce, you can use your favorite store-bought brand. Look for a sauce with a low sugar content and no added preservatives.
What other toppings can I add to my meatball sub?
You can add sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños to your sub for extra flavor and crunch. You can also top it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Meatball Subs
Ingredients
- 454 g 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 57 g 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs (see notes)
- 30 g 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 473 ml 2 cups marinara sauce (or pasta sauce)
- 4 sub rolls
- 170 g 1 1/2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. Drain any excess grease. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- While the meatballs are simmering, split, butter, and toast the sub rolls under the broiler.
- Spread half of the cheese over the bottom of the rolls. Place 5 meatballs in each roll and top with the remainder of the cheese. Broil the sandwiches just until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve promptly.
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