Meatball sub are perfect for family meals, parties, or potlucks. They are always a favorite, even for picky eaters. This recipe takes less than an hour, making it great for a quick weeknight meal. To save more time, prepare the meatballs ahead. When ready, warm them in the sauce, assemble the sandwiches, and broil for a few minutes. It’s that simple!

The baked meatballs are the highlight of this dish. They are made with ground beef and either sweet or hot Italian sausage. Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings add the perfect balance of flavors.

The homemade marinara sauce is quick and easy to make. To save time, you can also use your favorite jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce. Homemade meatballs have the best texture and flavor, but you can use good-quality premade ones instead. Provolone cheese works well in place of mozzarella. If you prefer, skip broiling the sandwiches and top them with fresh Parmesan cheese instead.

Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or baguettes cut into bun-sized pieces are great options for bread. If the bread is thick and sturdy, scoop out some of the inside to fit the meatballs. Too much bread can overpower the flavor of the meatballs and sauce.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

For the Sauce:

For the Sandwiches:

Steps to Make It

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

03

Place a rack on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Divide the meat mixture into 18 equal portions and shape them into meatballs. Place the meatballs on the rack.

04

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown and reach 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

05

While the meatballs bake, start the sauce. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells good. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes if you want. Let it boil gently, then lower the heat. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring sometimes. Take it off the heat when done.

06

Put the meatballs into the sauce and turn them to coat evenly. Switch the oven to the broil setting.

07

To make the sandwiches, line a baking sheet with foil and place the hoagie rolls on it. Add 3 meatballs to each roll.

08

Spoon sauce over the meatballs, leaving extra for the table if you like. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over each sandwich.

09

Broil the sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve right away with extra sauce on the side, if you like.

FAQs:

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade meatball sub give the best flavor and texture, high-quality store-bought meatballs subs work great if you’re short on time for best meatball recipe. Just heat them in the sauce before assembling your subs.

2. What’s the best type of bread for meatball sub recipe?

Hoagie rolls, sub rolls, or baguettes cut into bun-sized lengths are ideal. They should be sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart. For thick bread, hollow out the inside a bit to make room for the filling.

3. Can I make the meatball sub ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatball sub ahead. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the sauce when you’re ready to make the subs.

4. Can I customize the toppings for easy meatball recipe?

Definitely! While mozzarella or provolone cheese is classic, you can add fresh basil, sliced onions, olives, or even peppers. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese also makes a great finishing touch.

5. How can I make this recipe faster?

Use pre-made meatball subs and jarred marinara sauce to save time. You can have the subs ready in less than 30 minutes!

6. Can I freeze leftover meatball subs?

It’s best to freeze the meatball sub and sauce separately, as the bread can get soggy. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling fresh sandwiches.

7. Are there alternatives to ground beef and sausage?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian version.

8. What sides go well with meatball subs?

Pair your meatball subs with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, chips, or fries for a complete meal.

9. Can I make this recipe kid-friendly?

Of course! Skip the red pepper flakes in the sauce and let kids add their favorite toppings to make it fun and enjoyable for them.

10. What’s the best way to reheat a meatball sub?

For best results, reheat the meatball subs and sauce separately in a saucepan, then assemble fresh sandwiches. If reheating an already-made sub, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through.