Craving the ultimate comfort food sandwich? This Meatball Sub recipe delivers big flavor with tender homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all tucked inside a perfectly toasted sub roll. It’s cozy, cheesy, and everything you want in a hearty sandwich—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or game day crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Recipe
- Easy to make: Minimal prep with a major payoff
- Family-approved: Saucy, cheesy, meaty—what’s not to love?
- Customizable: Swap the protein, sauce, or cheese
- Perfect for leftovers or meal prep
If you’re a meatball lover or sandwich enthusiast, this Meatball Sub is about to be your new favorite thing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring your Meatball Sub dreams to life:
For the Homemade Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella or sliced Provolone
- Optional: Garlic butter for toasting
How to Make the Perfect Meatball Sub
1: Make the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, and seasonings.
- Add the ground beef and mix just until combined—don’t overwork!
- Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
2: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
- Add your baked meatballs to a saucepan with marinara sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step infuses the sauce with extra flavor.
3: Toast the Rolls
- Split your sub rolls and toast under the broiler until golden.
- Optional: Brush with garlic butter before toasting for even more flavor.
4: Assemble and Broil
- Place a layer of cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Add 4 meatballs and spoon over some marinara.
- Top with more cheese and broil for 1–2 minutes, until melty and bubbly.
Serve hot, and don’t forget the napkins—this is a beautifully messy sandwich.
Can You Use Frozen Meatballs?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, just heat store-bought frozen meatballs according to package directions, then simmer them in your favorite marinara before assembling the sub. It’s a great shortcut that still delivers major flavor.
Meatball Sub Tips for Success
- Double cheese barrier: Placing cheese below and above the meatballs keeps the bread from getting soggy.
- Make ahead: Cook the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Reheat in marinara when ready to assemble.
- Slow cooker hack: Keep the meatballs and sauce warm in a Crockpot if serving a crowd.
- Add flavor: Toast rolls with garlic butter or sprinkle extra Parmesan before broiling.
Delicious Variations
- Turkey Meatballs: Lighten things up without losing flavor.
- Spicy Style: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce to your marinara.
- Veggie Version: Try plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Options: Use smoked provolone, mozzarella, or even sharp white cheddar.
What to Serve with a Meatball Sub
Balance your Meatball Sub with one of these easy side dishes:
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – Light and refreshing
- Italian Chopped Salad – Classic and crunchy
- Fruit Salad – A sweet contrast to the savory sandwich
- Roasted Zucchini or Broccoli – Quick and healthy veggie sides
FAQs About Meatball Subs
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Make and freeze the meatballs, then just reheat and assemble when needed.
Q: How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Toast the bread first and sandwich the meatballs between layers of cheese.
Q: Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Bake the meatballs first, then keep them warm in marinara sauce in a slow cooker until ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in an airtight container. Assemble fresh when ready to eat.
More summer dinner recipe ideas you’ll love
- Pesto Bruschetta Chicken
- Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- French Dip Sliders
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Irresistible Dinner That Wins Hearts
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a hot, cheesy Meatball Sub—it’s comforting, craveable, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a casual weekend meal, this easy recipe is a keeper.
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds—or thirds.
Ready to upgrade your sandwich game? This Meatball Sub is calling your name.
Meatball Sub
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- ▢canola oil for greasing the baking sheet
- ▢1 large egg
- ▢2 tablespoons water
- ▢¼ cup very finely minced yellow onion
- ▢2 cloves garlic minced
- ▢¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ▢¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ▢1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ▢½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢½ teaspoon salt
- ▢¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢1 pound ground beef 80 or 85% lean is best
Remaining Ingredients
- ▢24 ounces marinara sauce
- ▢4 hoagie rolls
- ▢4 ounces shredded or sliced Provolone or Mozzarella cheese about 1 cup shredded
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 450° F. Grease a rimmed baking sheet with canola oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat together the egg and water with a fork.
- Add the onion, garlic, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well with a fork.
- Add the ground beef and mix until just combined. Try not to over-mix.
- Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on the greased baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through to 160° F.
Make the Meatball Subs
- Place the marinara sauce and baked meatballs in a medium saucepan. Cover with a lid and heat over medium-low heat until heated through, 5-10 minutes.
- Split the rolls open and place them on a rimmed baking sheet, with the inside of the rolls facing up. Place them under the broiler for about 2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Place a slice of cheese or a thin layer of shredded cheese on each roll (this bottom cheese layer helps to keep the bread from getting soggy). Use a slotted spoon to put 4 meatballs inside each toasted roll. Spoon on marinara sauce and then top with more cheese. Place the meatball subs under the broiler for about 2 minutes, until cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use frozen meatballs instead of homemade. If using frozen, follow the directions on the package for cooking the meatballs.
- Optional: Spread garlic butter on the sub rolls before toasting them in the oven.
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!