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Meatball Subs

These meatball subs feature tender meatballs simmered in marinara, topped with melted cheese, and served in warm toasted rolls for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
For the Sauce and Assembly
  • 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
  • cups shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Fresh basil for garnish optional
Optional Add-Ins
  • Sautéed onions
  • Banana peppers
  • Melted provolone
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Garlic butter brushed on rolls

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Oven or broiler

Method
 

Prepare the Meatballs
  1. 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.
  2. Roll into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs
  1. 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.
Simmer in Sauce
  1. 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.
Prepare the Rolls
  1. 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.
Build the Subs
  1. Spoon several meatballs and plenty of sauce into each roll. Add mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Melt the Cheese
  1. 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.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Serve warm with chips, salad, or roasted vegetables.