Best Meatball Sub Recipe
If you’re hunting for the ultimate classic comfort food, look no further—this Best Meatball Sub Recipe is truly in a league of its own. Imagine juicy meatballs swaddled in savory tomato sauce, loaded into toasty rolls, and smothered with bubbling mozzarella. Every bite is the perfect mix of saucy, cheesy, and hearty, making it the sort of sandwich that disappears faster than you can say “seconds please.” Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving something extra special for your lunch, this sub is all about simple ingredients coming together to create magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make greatness happen—every one of these ingredients plays a starring role in flavor, texture, and that unmistakable meatball sub aroma. Each element builds a sandwich that’s rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting, so making your own Best Meatball Sub Recipe at home is much easier (and tastier!) than you might expect.
- 1 pound ground beef: Delivers hearty, beefy richness as the backbone for your meatballs.
- ½ pound ground pork: Adds moisture and just the right hint of sweetness for incredibly tender meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Binds everything together and keeps the meatballs irresistibly soft, not tough.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a punch of umami and deep, salty flavor—don’t skip it!
- 1 egg: Acts as the glue, holding all your meatball ingredients together beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For bold, aromatic flavor that sets these meatballs apart.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds brightness and herby goodness with every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the meat mixture perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Lends gentle heat and depth to the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings together classic herbs to highlight those Italian-American roots.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The cozy, saucy embrace that brings it all together—homemade or your favorite jar works!
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns: Soft inside, crusty outside—they’re the perfect vehicle for all that goodness.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For the irresistibly gooey, stretchy, melty top that makes the Best Meatball Sub Recipe shine.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives a golden, toasty finish to the rolls and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Best Meatball Sub Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Meatball Ingredients
Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The secret here is not to overwork the mixture—a gentle hand keeps the meatballs extra tender. Mix just until everything is combined, and you’ll already notice that aroma of fresh herbs and Parmesan tempting you.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Using your hands (or a handy scoop), gently shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet. Space them out a bit so they brown nicely. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully browned and fully cooked inside. You’ll instantly see why this is the Best Meatball Sub Recipe just from the glorious smells in your kitchen.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
While those meatballs are baking, get your marinara sauce warming up in a saucepan over medium heat—nothing says comfort like the scent of simmering tomato sauce. When the meatballs come out of the oven, transfer them gently to the simmering sauce and let them bubble together for about 5 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and keeps your meatballs extra juicy.
Step 4: Toast the Sub Rolls
Slice your sub rolls (or hoagie buns) and brush the inside lightly with olive oil. For a next-level touch, toast them in the oven or in a skillet just until golden. If you’re feeling extra, garlic butter does wonders here! The toasty bread gives that signature crunch and holds up to the saucy filling like a champ.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
Here’s where the magic happens. Spoon 3 to 4 meatballs with plenty of marinara sauce into each toasted roll. Pile on the shredded mozzarella cheese, then line up those stuffed sandwiches on a baking sheet. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes—just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Serve hot, and prepare for pure sandwich bliss.
How to Serve Best Meatball Sub Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh parsley or basil boosts the color and aroma, making these subs look even more inviting. For a little kick, try a dusting of cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, or an extra shower of grated Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Best Meatball Sub Recipe with classic potato chips, a crisp Caesar salad, or a pile of garlic fries. If you want to keep it light, simple roasted veggies or a tangy Italian chopped salad balance all that hearty, cheesy flavor just right.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the finished subs into smaller pieces for a party platter or game day feast. For a make-it-your-own vibe, set up a meatball sub bar with bowls of extra sauce, cheeses, and toppings so everyone can build their favorite version. Or try serving open-faced on toasted bread for a knife-and-fork twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover meatballs (with sauce) refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the bread separately so it stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy—just assemble right before serving for the best results.
Freezing
Freeze the fully cooked and sauced meatballs on their own for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ve got a jumpstart for your next Best Meatball Sub Recipe craving! It’s a lifesaver for last-minute dinners or meal prep.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat the meatballs gently in a saucepan with a splash of sauce over low heat until warmed through. Assemble in fresh toasted rolls, sprinkle with cheese, and give them a quick broil for that just-made magic. The cheese melts right over the top, and you’d never know it wasn’t made fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! While the combo of beef and pork is classic for a reason, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter take. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may be slightly less juicy, so don’t skip the breadcrumbs and make sure not to overcook the meatballs.
Do I have to use homemade marinara sauce for the Best Meatball Sub Recipe?
Not at all—use whatever you love. A good-quality jarred marinara sauce is a super convenient (and tasty) shortcut, but if you have a homemade favorite, go for it! Both options will make your subs delicious.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To keep your sub rolls from getting mushy, be sure to toast them before adding the meatballs and sauce. Baking or skillet-toasting creates a barrier that helps hold up to all that saucy goodness.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Definitely! The meatballs (and sauce) can be cooked a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, just reheat gently in the sauce and assemble as usual—your Best Meatball Sub Recipe will taste just as fresh!
What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?
Provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses all make great substitutes if you’re out of mozzarella. The important thing is that it gets nice and melty on top, adding that gooey-fantastic element to your sub.
Final Thoughts
Sandwich lovers, there’s simply nothing more satisfying than whipping up this Best Meatball Sub Recipe at home. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of classic Italian-American flavor—just the sort of dish that wows a crowd or makes a simple weeknight dinner feel wonderfully special. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
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Best Meatball Sub Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Best Meatball Sub recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines flavorful meatballs in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled in a warm sub roll. It’s a classic favorite for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Shape into meatballs and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Warm marinara sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Combine meatballs and sauce: Transfer baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Toast the rolls: Slice and lightly toast sub rolls with olive oil.
- Assemble the subs: Fill rolls with meatballs and sauce, top with mozzarella cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Broil the subs for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Enjoy hot!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use garlic butter to toast the sub rolls.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store leftover meatballs in sauce for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
