A great meatball sub has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, game-day meal, or something warm and hearty to share with family, meatball subs deliver comfort and bold flavor in every bite. The combination of juicy meatballs, rich marinara, melted cheese, and toasted sub rolls is the kind of meal you crave on chilly evenings or busy days when you want something satisfying without complicated cooking.
What I love most about meatball subs is their flexibility. You can make homemade meatballs for a more personal touch, use store-bought for speed, or even swap in turkey or plant-based alternatives. No matter how you prepare them, the end result still feels like a cozy, restaurant-quality sandwich right from your kitchen.
Why Meatball Subs Are Always a Hit
This recipe stands out because it’s:
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Comforting and filling
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Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
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Easy to customize
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Ideal for meal prep
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Perfect for lunch or dinner
A warm sub packed with saucy meatballs and melted cheese feels like the best kind of indulgence—one that requires surprisingly little effort.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Large skillet or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
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Oven or broiler
Ingredients for Meatball Subs
For the Meatballs
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1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Sauce and Assembly
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2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
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4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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Olive oil for brushing
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Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
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Sautéed onions
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Banana peppers
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Melted provolone
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Crushed red pepper flakes
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Garlic butter brushed on rolls
Timing and Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 40–45 minutes
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Servings: 4 subs
How to Make Meatball Subs
Step 1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Roll into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2. Bake the Meatballs
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through. Baking keeps cleanup easy and helps the meatballs retain their shape.
Step 3. Simmer in Sauce
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a skillet or Dutch oven. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors blend and the meatballs absorb extra sauce.
Step 4. Prepare the Rolls
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Brush lightly with olive oil and toast in the oven for 2–3 minutes until warm and crisp.
Step 5. Build the Subs
Spoon several meatballs and plenty of sauce into each roll. Add mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 6. Melt the Cheese
Place the subs under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble lightly. Keep a close eye to avoid over-browning.
Step 7. Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Serve warm with chips, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with Caesar salad
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Serve with garlic fries or potato wedges
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Add pickled peppers for brightness
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Offer extra marinara on the side
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Slice into halves for party sandwiches
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 480–560
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Protein: 26–32 g
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Carbohydrates: 42–50 g
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Fat: 20–26 g
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Fiber: 2–3 g
Expert Tips for the Best Meatball Subs
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Use a meat blend (beef + pork) for juicier meatballs.
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Toast the rolls so they stay crisp even with lots of sauce.
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Simmer meatballs in sauce instead of just topping them—it deepens the flavor.
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Make ahead: Cook meatballs and sauce up to two days early.
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Add garlic butter to the rolls for a gourmet touch.
For lunches that don’t feel repetitive, consider Turkey Avocado Club Sandwich, Mediterranean Veggie Wraps, or Tomato Basil Galette.
Meatball Subs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through. Baking keeps cleanup easy and helps the meatballs retain their shape.
- Transfer the cooked meatballs to a skillet or Dutch oven. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors blend and the meatballs absorb extra sauce.
- Slice the sub rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Brush lightly with olive oil and toast in the oven for 2–3 minutes until warm and crisp.
- Spoon several meatballs and plenty of sauce into each roll. Add mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Place the subs under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble lightly. Keep a close eye to avoid over-browning.
- Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Serve warm with chips, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Meatball subs are the ultimate comfort sandwich—simple to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. With tender meatballs, rich marinara, and melted cheese tucked inside a toasted roll, it’s a meal that feels homemade and hearty every time.
Recipe FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs work well. Just heat them thoroughly in marinara before assembling the subs.
2. What cheese melts best for meatball subs?
Mozzarella, provolone, or a mix of both creates great stretch and flavor.
3. How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the rolls before assembling and avoid adding too much sauce directly to the bottom.
4. Can I make meatball subs ahead of time?
Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, but assemble subs just before serving.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free rolls. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
6. Are turkey meatballs a good substitute?
Absolutely. Turkey meatballs are lighter but still flavorful when seasoned well.