A Meatball Sub is one of those classic comfort foods that effortlessly combines savory, saucy, cheesy, and hearty flavors all packed into a warm, toasted sub roll. Whether you’re serving it at a game-day gathering, enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal, or savoring leftovers from Sunday’s meatball dinner, this sandwich never fails to satisfy.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Meatball Sub from scratch, complete with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and tips on achieving a crisp yet tender roll to hold everything together.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Hearty and Filling – Each sandwich is packed with protein-rich meatballs and gooey cheese.
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Customizable – You can easily adjust the flavors, sauces, and even the bread.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Meatballs can be prepared in advance, frozen, and ready when needed.
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Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike find this meal irresistible.
Ingredients List
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef
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½ lb ground pork
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup milk
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1 egg
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp chopped parsley
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp pepper
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried oregano
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Marinara Sauce:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp sugar (optional)
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Pinch of red pepper flakes
For the Sandwich Assembly:
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4 sub rolls
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone
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Butter or olive oil for brushing rolls
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Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 60 minutes
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Servings: 4 subs
Step-by-Step Instructions for Meatball Sub
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and Parmesan. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. You should get about 16–20. Cook them either by baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or pan-frying in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs cook, heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are done, gently simmer them in the marinara sauce for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Prepare the Sub Rolls
Slice the sub rolls without cutting all the way through. Brush the insides with olive oil or butter and toast them under the broiler until lightly golden.
Step 6: Assemble the Subs
Place 4–5 meatballs inside each toasted sub roll. Spoon over extra sauce, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella, and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Meatball Sub
Use a Mix of Beef and Pork
Combining ground beef and pork makes the meatballs juicier and more flavorful.
Don’t Skip the Toasted Roll
A crispy roll prevents sogginess and adds texture to the sandwich.
Freshly Grated Cheese is Key
Fresh mozzarella or provolone melts better and adds that delicious stretch.
Variations to Try
Spicy Meatball Sub
Add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Cheesy Overload
Layer in a slice of provolone and top with shredded mozzarella for a cheesy pull in every bite.
Vegetarian Version
Use plant-based meatballs and marinara for a meatless option that still satisfies.
Sub Roll Alternatives
Use hoagie rolls, baguettes, ciabatta, or even garlic bread as your base.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
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Make Ahead: You can prepare meatballs and sauce up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
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Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until hot before assembling your subs.
What to Serve with a Meatball Sub
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Potato Wedges or Fries
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Caesar or Garden Salad
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Pickles or Coleslaw
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Sweet Potato Chips
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Iced Tea or Lemonade
Nutritional Insights (Per Serving Estimate)
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Calories: ~650
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 35g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 950mg
Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover subs tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat wrapped subs in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the roll from becoming soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing Meatball Mixture: This leads to tough meatballs.
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Skipping Toasting: Makes the bread soggy from the sauce.
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Using Store-Bought Sauce: While convenient, homemade sauce offers better flavor and control.
How to Make It Kid-Friendly
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Use smaller rolls and mini meatballs for tiny hands.
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Let them help add cheese or spread the sauce.
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Mild sauce and reduced garlic make it more appealing to picky eaters.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, thaw them first, then simmer in marinara sauce before assembling the sub.
What bread is best for meatball subs?
Soft yet sturdy sub rolls, hoagies, or Italian rolls work best. Toasting is essential.
Can $I use store-bought marinara?
Yes, but opt for a quality brand or add extra garlic and herbs to enhance flavor.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Always toast the bread and avoid overloading with sauce. Use a slotted spoon for meatballs.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella and provolone are classics. You can also try fontina or a mozzarella-cheddar mix.
Conclusion
A Meatball Sub is more than just a sandwich—it’s an experience in comfort food done right. Juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a toasted roll come together in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch, a casual dinner, or serve it at a party, this recipe promises bold flavor and satisfaction.