easy meatball subs recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best easy meatball subs recipe

I’ve been making meatball subs for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. The dish has its roots in Italian cuisine, where meatballs are a staple ingredient.

I love the combination of flavors and textures in this recipe, with the tender meatballs, the slightly sweet marinara sauce, and the melted mozzarella cheese. The key to this recipe is using a mixture of beef and pork for the meatballs, which gives them a rich and savory flavor.

I also like to use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried breadcrumbs to add a bit of texture to the meatballs. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like a party or holiday gathering.

My kids love helping me make the meatballs, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread and melted cheese filling the house?

It’s a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. And, as an added bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other Italian-American dishes.

The lean protein from the meatballs pairs well with the whole wheat sub rolls and fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomato.

Easy Meatball Subs Recipe

4.8 from 1460 votes

A simple and delicious meatball sub recipe that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese on a soft sub roll.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

For the Sauce

1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 clove garlic, minced

For Assembly

4 sub rolls
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together when pressed.
5Form the meatball mixture into small, evenly sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.
8While the meatballs are baking, prepare the marinara sauce.
9In a skillet over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, water, dried oregano, dried basil, and minced garlic.
10Stir well and bring to a simmer.
11Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
12The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
13Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
14Add the meatballs to the skillet with the marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly.
15Cook for an additional 5 minutes over low heat, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce.
16Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, but not all the way through.
17Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
18This will give the rolls a nice crunch and help hold the filling.
19To assemble the subs, spoon a generous amount of meatballs and sauce onto the bottom half of each sub roll.
20Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs.
21Place the top half of the sub roll back on and serve immediately.
22Enjoy your homemade meatball subs while they are hot and melty.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Skillet
Spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sub, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of ground meats for a leaner option.

Watch Video Of How Easy Meatball Subs Recipe Works

This easy meatball subs recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as-is or get creative with different toppings like sliced olives or pepperoni slices.

For storage ideas, consider freezing individual portions of the cooked meatballs and sub rolls for up to 3 months – just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready for lunch or dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Subs

1. What type of meat is best for making meatball subs?

For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of ground beef and pork. The beef adds a rich flavor, while the pork helps keep the meatballs moist.

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making my own?

While store-bought marinara sauce can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own for this recipe. It’s easy to make and adds so much more flavor to the dish.

3. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

To prevent the meatballs from breaking apart while they cook, make sure to not overmix them when you’re forming them into balls.

4. Can I make these meatball subs ahead of time?

This recipe can be made ahead of time up until the point where you assemble the subs with the cheese and marinara sauce.

5. Are there any substitutions I can make if I’m running low on ingredients?

If you’re short on breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese, you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs or grated romano cheese.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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