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Meatball Subs

Meatball Subs

Meatball Subs are hearty sandwiches filled with juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all served on toasted hoagie rolls. This comforting, family-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or a satisfying lunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine American, italian-american
Servings 4 people
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon or tongs
  • Oven or toaster oven

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon chopped basil or parsley optional

For the Subs

  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices provolone cheese optional
  • 1 tablespoon butter softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the meatball mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley if using.

Step 3: Shape the meatballs

  • Mix gently until combined. Form the mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Try not to pack them too tightly.

Step 4: Bake the meatballs

  • Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.

Step 5: Warm the sauce

  • While the meatballs bake, add marinara sauce to a large skillet or saucepan. Warm it over medium-low heat. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

Step 6: Simmer the meatballs in sauce

  • Add the baked meatballs to the warm marinara sauce. Let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so they can soak up some of the sauce.

Step 7: Prepare the rolls

  • Split the sub rolls open, but do not cut all the way through. Mix softened butter with garlic powder and lightly spread it inside the rolls.

Step 8: Toast the rolls

  • Place the rolls on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes. This helps keep them from getting too soggy.

Step 9: Assemble the subs

  • Add 4 meatballs to each roll. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the top. Add mozzarella cheese and provolone if using.

Step 10: Melt the cheese

  • Place the assembled subs back in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Keyword Meatball Subs