This Meatball Sub Sandwich is hearty, cheesy, and packed with rich Italian flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food! Juicy homemade meatballs are simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce, then nestled into a toasted hoagie roll and topped with gooey melted cheese—every bite is pure indulgence.
The best part? It’s easy to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!
Ingredients for Meatball Sub Sandwich
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
- ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the rolls)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Cheese grater
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and milk.
- Mix gently until combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes).
2. Simmer in Marinara Sauce
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and onions, cooking until soft (2 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar, then stir.
- Add the browned meatballs, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Toast the Hoagie Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice hoagie rolls in half and spread butter on the insides.
- Toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Assemble the Meatball Subs
- Place 3-4 meatballs inside each toasted roll.
- Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake Until Gooey & Melted
- Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve warm with a side of fries, salad, or coleslaw!
Expert Tips for the Best Meatball Subs
Use fresh bread – Toasting prevents sogginess and adds crunch.
Make extra sauce – Perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Use a beef & pork mix – This makes the meatballs extra juicy and flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overworking the meat – Can make the meatballs dense instead of tender.
Skipping the toasting step – Helps the bread hold up to the sauce.
Cooking meatballs too fast – Simmering ensures they soak up the sauce flavor.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve with garlic Parmesan fries or a side Caesar salad.
- Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.
- Add pickled jalapeños or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storage:
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store bread separately to prevent sogginess.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Simmer meatballs in sauce over low heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven: Reheat sandwiches at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezing:
- Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage.
- Use different cheese – Try provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella.
- Make it vegetarian – Swap meatballs for mushroom or lentil balls.
What to Serve with Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Crispy potato wedges or garlic fries
- Coleslaw or a fresh garden salad
- Roasted veggies or onion rings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes! Just simmer them in marinara sauce for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.
What’s the best bread for meatball subs?
Use hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or ciabatta for the best texture.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook meatballs in marinara sauce on low for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
This Meatball Sub Sandwich is cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor, making it a must-try comfort food recipe! Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, game day, or meal prep, these subs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious sandwich recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 550 kcal per sandwich (based on 4 servings).
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 4
Meatball Sub Sandwich – Cheesy, Saucy & Irresistible!
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
-
This Meatball Sub Sandwich is hearty, cheesy, and packed with homemade meatballs and marinara! The ultimate comfort food dinner!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
- ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the rolls)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and milk.
- Mix gently until combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes).
2. Simmer in Marinara Sauce
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and onions, cooking until soft (2 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar, then stir.
- Add the browned meatballs, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Toast the Hoagie Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice hoagie rolls in half and spread butter on the insides.
- Toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Assemble the Meatball Subs
- Place 3-4 meatballs inside each toasted roll.
- Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake Until Gooey & Melted
- Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve warm with a side of fries, salad, or coleslaw!
Notes
✔ Use fresh bread – Toasting prevents sogginess and adds crunch.
✔ Make extra sauce – Perfect for dipping or drizzling.
✔ Use a beef & pork mix – This makes the meatballs extra juicy and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550