Meatball Subs Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Meatball Subs Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like an instant comfort hug. Imagine juicy, tender meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, nestled inside a toasted hoagie roll slathered with garlicky butter and topped with melty Italian cheese—need I say more? Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, these subs never fail to impress and satisfy.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create something so flavorful and indulgent. You’ll find that this Meatball Subs Recipe is great for busy nights because you can use frozen meatballs or make them fresh if you have time. Plus, the gooey, cheesy finish always brings everyone to the table with big smiles.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays an important role—from the seasoned meatballs that bring the hearty flavor, to the garlic butter that makes those rolls irresistible. I always recommend using a good quality pasta sauce and fresh Italian cheese for the best taste.

• Lean ground beef: Using lean meat helps keep the meatballs tender without too much fat.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to keep your meatballs perfectly shaped.
• Seasoned bread crumbs: Adds texture and flavor; pre-seasoned is a great time saver.
• Italian seasoning: Brings those classic herbs that make the meatballs taste authentically Italian.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without chunks.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together.
• Pasta sauce or marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jar or homemade sauce for simmering meatballs.
• Hoagie rolls: The foundation for your subs—soft inside but sturdy enough to hold all the goodness.
• Garlic butter: A game changer! I always slather this inside my rolls before toasting for extra flavor.
• Shredded Italian cheese blend (or mozzarella/provolone): Melts beautifully and adds that cheesy gooey finish everyone loves.

Variations

I love making this Meatball Subs Recipe my own by playing around with ingredients or adding a little twist based on what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize the recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Meat Variation: I’ve swapped ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option and honestly, it still hits the spot.
• Cheese Toppings: Try pepper jack or smoked provolone for a little extra kick and smoky flavor.
• Spice it Up: Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or meatballs gives a nice gentle heat that my family loves.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and rolls to make this recipe friendly for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Meatball Subs Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Meatballs

Start by mixing the lean ground beef, egg, seasoned bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Once combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. I like to use a cookie scoop to make them evenly sized—this helps them cook uniformly. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked. If you’re using frozen meatballs, just heat them according to package instructions.

Step 2: Simmer in Sauce

Transfer the cooked meatballs to a saucepan and pour your pasta or marinara sauce over them. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes. This step is where the meatballs soak up all the tangy, herby goodness, making every bite delicious.

Step 3: Prep and Toast Rolls

While your meatballs are simmering, spread garlic butter inside each hoagie roll. This simple addition takes your subs to the next level with a buttery, garlicky crunch. Then, pop the rolls under the broiler for about 3 minutes or until golden and fragrant—watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 4: Assemble and Broil

Arrange the toasted rolls in a 9×13 baking dish. Place four meatballs in each roll, spoon on some of the sauce, and sprinkle with your shredded cheese. Pop the assembled subs under the broiler again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Meatball Subs Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley on top right after broiling—it adds a fresh, vibrant touch that cuts through the richness. A few red pepper flakes can also bring a kick if you’re into a little heat.

Side Dishes

Crispy oven-baked fries, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, or even a cup of warm Italian wedding soup pairs beautifully with these subs. When my family is extra hungry, I serve this with garlic parmesan roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served smaller slider-sized meatball subs that are easier to hold and nibble on. Another fun way is to assemble the subs in a casserole dish layered with extra cheese and bake as a meatball sub casserole. It’s a hit for feeding crowds and brings a cozy vibe to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate them separately from the rolls. This keeps everything fresh for up to 3 days. The bread will stay nicely textured if warmed separately before assembling leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked meatballs in sauce in freezer-safe bags and thawed them overnight in the fridge. Freezing doesn’t affect the flavor much and makes a great time saver for quick meals later on.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover subs is to warm meatballs in sauce on the stovetop, toast the rolls under the broiler briefly, then assemble and heat in the oven just until cheese melts. This keeps everything tasting fresh, with that satisfying melted cheese and toasted roll texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Subs Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliably comforting and totally customizable. I hope once you make it, it becomes a favorite for your family, too. Trust me, the combination of tender meatballs, garlicky toasted rolls, and gooey cheese is pure magic—and you’ll be glad you took the time to try it!

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