Nothing beats a warm, cheesy meatball sub! It’s like a warm hug in a sandwich. Perfect for dinner, parties, or when you just need something delicious. This recipe is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and super customizable. Get ready for a saucy, cheesy, unforgettable meal!
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Ingredients for Delicious Subs
Great meatball subs start with good ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Meat: Use beef and pork for classic taste. All-beef or ground turkey also work.
- Binders: Breadcrumbs and an egg keep meatballs tender.1
- Flavor Boosters: Onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for amazing taste.
- Cheese, Please! Mozzarella is a must. Add provolone or Parmesan for more flavor.
- Sauce: Your favorite marinara sauce.
- Rolls: Sturdy hoagie or sub rolls that can hold all the goodness.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Meatball Subs
Follow these simple steps to make amazing meatball subs at home.
- Prepare Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix!
- Roll into 1–1.5 inch meatballs. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cook Meatballs:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Alternatively: Pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat, browning all sides.
- Simmer in Sauce:
- Bring marinara sauce to a simmer in a large saucepan.
- Add cooked meatballs. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to let flavors blend.
- Prepare Rolls:
- Split rolls open, but don’t cut all the way through.
- (Optional): Brush with butter and toast in the oven for 3–5 minutes until lightly crisp.
- Assemble Subs:
- Spoon meatballs and sauce into each roll.
- Top generously with mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- (Optional): Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cheesy Variations & Serving Ideas
Get creative with your meatball subs!
Variations:
- Stuffed Meatballs: Put a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.
- Spicy Subs: Add red pepper flakes to meatballs and use pepper jack cheese.
- Chicken Parm Style: Use ground chicken, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Plant-Based: Use vegan meatballs and vegan cheese.
What to Serve With Your Subs:
- Classic Sides: Crispy fries or potato wedges.
- Crunchy Snacks: Garlic Parmesan chips.
- Freshness: Caesar or Italian salad.
- Dipping: Ranch, spicy marinara, or garlic aioli.
- Drinks: Cold soda, craft beer, or red wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? No problem!
- Fridge: Store assembled subs or separate components in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat meatballs in sauce on the stovetop. Broil freshly assembled subs for best results.
Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs: FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes! You can absolutely freeze cooked meatballs. Store them with or without sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them and reheat them in sauce before assembling your subs.1
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef/pork?
A: Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version of these subs. Just be mindful that they can sometimes be a bit drier, so consider adding a small amount of olive oil to the meat mixture to keep them moist.
Q: How do I prevent my sub rolls from getting soggy?
A: To keep your rolls from getting soggy, toast them briefly before you assemble the subs. Also, try not to overload them with too much sauce. A quick broil at the very end (step 5 in the recipe) helps to crisp up the rolls and melt the cheese perfectly, further preventing sogginess.
Q: What kind of rolls are best for meatball subs?
A: Look for sturdy hoagie or sub rolls, ideally bakery-style ones. They need to be robust enough to hold all the delicious meatballs, sauce, and cheese without falling apart.
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them as mentioned above. Then, just reheat them in the marinara sauce when you’re ready to make your subs.
Q: What are some good sides to serve with meatball subs?
A: Classic pairings include crispy fries, potato wedges, or garlic Parmesan chips. For a fresher option, a Caesar or Italian salad works wonderfully to balance the richness. You could also serve dipping sauces like ranch, spicy marinara, or garlic aioli.
Recipe Card: Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the sauce and assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for toasting rolls)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cook Meatballs: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. (Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet).
- Simmer in Marinara: In a large saucepan, bring marinara sauce to a simmer. Add cooked meatballs and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Prepare Rolls: Split rolls open without cutting all the way through. (Optional: Brush with butter and toast in oven for 3–5 minutes until lightly crisp).
- Assemble Subs: Spoon meatballs and sauce into each roll. Top with mozzarella and provolone cheese. Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
