If you’re craving a hearty, comforting sandwich that bursts with flavor in every bite, this Meatball Subs Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together juicy, tender homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, all nestled inside soft, toasted hoagie rolls and topped with melted, gooey cheese. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend treat, this classic sandwich feels like a warm hug and never fails to delight. You’re going to love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture for your Meatball Subs Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the savory meatballs to the fresh herbs and melty cheese that bring it all home.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein, providing juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and keep meatballs tender.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder for all the ingredients to hold their shape.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a delicious, salty depth to the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant, savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herb flavor to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements oregano with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Olive oil, for frying: For browning the meatballs to perfection.
- 4-6 hoagie rolls (or any soft sub rolls): Soft yet sturdy bread to cradle the filling.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Store-bought or homemade, it’s the saucy heart of this dish.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Rich, gooey cheese that melts beautifully on top.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra cheesy, savory finish.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Brightens up the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Meatball Subs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by mixing together your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper in a large bowl. The key is to combine all ingredients without overworking the mixture so your meatballs stay tender and juicy. Once combined, roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs about one inch in diameter—so they cook evenly and fit perfectly inside your subs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them gently until browned on all sides and cooked through—this should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Browning not only seals in juiciness but also adds a beautiful caramelized flavor to the meatballs. Once done, transfer the meatballs to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Simmer Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Next, warm your marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer gently for 10 minutes. This step allows all those rich flavors to mingle and soak into the meatballs, making each bite tender, flavorful, and saucy—the perfect combination you want in a Meatball Subs Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Subs
Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Place the hoagie rolls, sliced open, on a baking sheet. Spoon generous portions of the meatballs and marinara sauce into each roll, making sure every bite gets that saucy goodness. Then top with shredded mozzarella and, if you like, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Pop the assembled subs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a gorgeous golden color. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—this step is when your sandwich transforms from good to absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the subs from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. This fresh herb garnish adds a bright burst of color and flavor that makes your Meatball Subs Recipe truly shine. Serve immediately while everything is warm, melty, and inviting.
How to Serve Meatball Subs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add not only a visual pop but also a fresh, aromatic lift to meatball subs. Consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an added zing if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Meatball Subs Recipe with simple sides elevates the meal. Crispy fries, a fresh green salad with vinaigrette, or crunchy coleslaw all complement the rich meatballs beautifully, providing balance and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try cutting subs into smaller sliders for a party platter or serve deconstructed meatball bowls with sauce, cheese, and bread on the side, letting everyone assemble their own sandwich to their liking. Either way, it’s a fun way to share the classic flavors in new ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatball subs components separately in airtight containers—meatballs in sauce, bread, and cheese—to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the meatballs and sauce, then assemble for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Meatballs with marinara freeze wonderfully. Portion out the meatballs and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling subs for a quick, delicious meal later on.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs with sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Toast the rolls separately to keep them from becoming soggy. Then assemble fresh with cheese and broil for a minute or two, reviving that melty, warm goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Meatball Subs Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will work nicely. Just be sure to watch the cooking time so the meatballs don’t dry out. Adding a bit of olive oil or an extra egg can help keep them moist.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Definitely! Store-bought marinara can save you time and still taste great. If you want to add a homemade touch, simmer it with some extra garlic or herbs before adding the meatballs.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance, refrigerate them in the sauce, and assemble the subs just before serving. This makes your dinner prep much quicker and stress-free.
What type of bread works best for Meatball Subs Recipe?
Soft sub rolls or hoagie rolls are ideal because they’re sturdy enough to hold all the fillings but soft enough to bite through easily. If you don’t have those, any soft sandwich roll will do.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle some on top before broiling. Alternatively, mix a spicy marinara or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for that kick.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Subs Recipe is a keeper—rich, comforting, and full of classic flavors that never go out of style. Making these subs at home not only fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas but also brings a sense of joy to any meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something so incredibly satisfying and utterly delicious.
Print
Meatball Subs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Classic homemade Meatball Subs featuring juicy beef meatballs simmered in savory marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, served in soft hoagie rolls. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil, for frying
Subs
- 4–6 hoagie rolls (or any soft sub rolls)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Fry the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and drain them on paper towels.
- Simmer meatballs in marinara: In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the subs: Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and open them up. Spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce into each roll, ensuring an even distribution. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top if desired.
- Broil the subs: Place the subs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the meatball subs from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
- If preferred, substitute mozzarella with provolone cheese for a different taste.
- Adjust the spice level of marinara sauce to your preference.
- These subs are best enjoyed immediately for the best texture and flavor.
