Italian Meatball Subs

Italian Meatball Subs are a classic comfort food featuring juicy homemade meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese, and served on a toasted sub roll. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day meals, or feeding a crowd, these subs are easy to make and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, flavorful meatballs cooked in rich marinara sauce.
• Melted mozzarella or provolone for the perfect cheesy bite.
• Crispy, toasted sub rolls for added texture.
• Easy to make ahead and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sauce & Subs:

• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Sub rolls or hoagie buns
• Mozzarella or provolone cheese, sliced
• Butter (for toasting rolls)
• Garlic powder (for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Roll into small meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then add marinara sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
4. Toast the Rolls: Brush sub rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden.
5. Assemble the Subs: Place meatballs and sauce in the toasted rolls. Top with cheese slices and broil for 1-2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, then enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 subs
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Garlic Bread Subs: Spread garlic butter on the rolls before toasting for extra flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
• Slow Cooker Version: Simmer meatballs in marinara on low for 4-6 hours.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store meatballs and sauce separately from rolls for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh subs.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Just heat them in the marinara sauce until warmed through.

2. What’s the best bread for meatball subs?

Sub rolls, hoagie buns, or French bread work best.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the meatballs and sauce in advance and assemble fresh.

4. What cheese works best?

Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of both.

5. How do I prevent soggy bread?

Toast the rolls before adding meatballs to keep them crisp.

6. Can I air-fry the meatballs?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. Can I make mini versions for a party?

Yes! Use slider buns and smaller meatballs for bite-sized sandwiches.

8. How do I make these extra cheesy?

Add shredded cheese under the meatballs before broiling.

9. Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Sautéed bell peppers and onions make a great addition.

10. What’s the best side dish for meatball subs?

Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a simple side salad.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Subs are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s loaded with bold flavors, melty cheese, and hearty meatballs. Whether for a quick dinner, a game-day meal, or a family gathering, these subs are always a hit. Try them today for the ultimate comfort food experience!

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