Indulge in the hearty delight of Meatball Subs, a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy meatballs enveloped in marinara sauce and nestled in a toasted sub roll create a scrumptious experience that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether for game day or a family dinner, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 4 sub rolls
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 sub) contains approximately 450 calories, 20g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. This is based on standard ingredients and may vary.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined, then form into 12 meatballs.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add meatballs. Brown on all sides (about 5 minutes).
5. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. While sauce simmers, place sub rolls on a baking sheet.
7. Toast sub rolls in the oven for 5 minutes until golden.
8. Remove rolls and fill each with 3 meatballs and sauce.
9. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls.
Serving and Pairings
Meatball subs pair beautifully with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. For a classic touch, serve with pickles and a side of extra marinara for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Meatball subs can be frozen; just wrap individually and store for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning.
– Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it enhances flavor.
– Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
– Make sure to simmer meatballs long enough to cook through.
– Check seasoning before cooking; adjust if needed.
Helpful Tips
– Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.
– Let meatballs rest before serving for better texture.
– Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
– Experiment with different cheeses for topping.
FAQs
Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I serve with meatball subs?
Meatball subs go well with a simple green salad, potato chips, or coleslaw. They can also be served alongside garlic bread for a more filling meal.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Using frozen meatballs can save time. Just follow the packaging instructions for cooking them in the marinara sauce.
How do I prevent soggy bread?
To prevent soggy bread, toast the sub rolls before adding meatballs and sauce. This creates a barrier and keeps them crisp.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can make these meatballs in a slow cooker. Brown them first, then add to the slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
Meatball subs are a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With easy preparation and delicious flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that these subs offer, and share them with family and friends for a truly memorable dining experience.

Meatball Subs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined, then form into 12 meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add meatballs. Brown on all sides.
- Pour marinara sauce over meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Place sub rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Fill each toasted roll with 3 meatballs and sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!