Juicy Homemade Meatball Subs Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crafting the ultimate meatball subs requires skill and passion that transforms a simple sandwich into a culinary adventure.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a mouth-watering experience.

Juicy, seasoned meatballs nestle perfectly inside soft, toasted bread.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully chosen component.

Fresh herbs and robust marinara sauce add layers of incredible flavor.

Melted cheese creates a gooey, irresistible finish that makes you want to dive right in.

You’ll be the neighborhood hero when this delectable masterpiece hits the table.

Meatball Subs Hearty Sandwich Classic

• Packed with cheesy, saucy goodness, these subs are guaranteed to satisfy everyone from kids to adults, ideal for casual gatherings or quick family dinners.
• Swap ground meats, add different cheeses, or experiment with marinara varieties to create a personalized sub that matches your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Using a single baking sheet and pan means less washing up, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without dreading the post-cooking kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Meatball Subs

• Ground Meat: A protein-rich foundation that provides the main flavor and texture for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together and create a tender, cohesive texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth and helps bind the meatball mixture.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs with aromatic herbs and balanced seasoning.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the meatballs.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty topping that adds richness and visual appeal.

• Sub Rolls: Serve as the perfect vessel for holding the meatballs and creating a hearty sandwich.

How to Make Meatball Subs

Step 1: Ignite the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing it for some serious meatball magic.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands to blend everything together, then roll the mixture into 12-16 perfect meatball spheres.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Spread the meatballs onto a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven.

Let them sizzle and cook for 15-20 minutes until they’re completely done and golden brown.

Step 4: Warm the Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, pour marinara sauce into a pan and heat it gently, allowing the flavors to warm and mingle.

Step 5: Assemble the Subs

Nestle the freshly baked meatballs into the warm marinara sauce, then lovingly tuck them into sub rolls.

Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Melt and Crisp

Return the loaded subs to the oven for 5-7 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a bubbling, golden blanket of deliciousness.

Tips for Juicy Meatball Subs

• Choose ground beef with 85% lean meat for juicy, flavorful meatballs that aren't too greasy.
• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to keep meatballs tender and moist.
• Let cheese melt completely by covering subs with foil for the first 3 minutes, then uncover to achieve golden bubbling surface.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine to the meat mixture for enhanced rich taste.
• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Storing and Reheating Meatball Subs

• Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each sub individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Separate meatballs from rolls before freezing. Place meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container, which can be stored for up to 2 months. Keep rolls separate to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Unwrap the sub, place on a baking sheet, and warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent bread from burning and ensure even heating.
• Remove foil, place on a microwave-safe plate, and heat in 30-second intervals. Check temperature and stop when thoroughly warmed to avoid rubbery texture.

Serving Suggestions for Meatball Subs

• Elevate Meatball Sub Experience
• Pair with a Bold Red Wine: Sangiovese or Chianti complements the rich, savory meatballs with its robust flavor and slight acidity, cutting through the meaty, cheesy goodness.
• Crisp Side Salad Solution: Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy sub, adding a bright, zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Cool Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to match the sub's hearty profile, with malty undertones that enhance the marinara and meat flavors perfectly.
• Pickle Punch Accent: Add tangy dill pickles on the side to provide a sharp, crunchy element that cuts through the richness and adds a delightful textural contrast.

Variations on Meatball Subs

• Vegetarian Meatball Option: Replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentil, black bean, or mushroom meatballs for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap regular sub rolls for gluten-free bread to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Serve meatballs over zucchini noodles or in lettuce wraps instead of traditional sub rolls for a carb-conscious meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the meatball sub a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for a unique flavor profile.

• How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Add minced garlic, finely chopped onions, or fresh herbs like basil and parsley to enhance the taste of your meatballs.

• Is it possible to make these meatball subs ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the subs.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or use a combination of these individual herbs.

Meatball Subs Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Italian meatball subs bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table with hearty, hand-crafted goodness. Melted cheese, marinara sauce, and perfectly seasoned meatballs create an irresistible sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 12-16 in total, ensuring they are compact but not overly dense.
4. Arrange meatballs on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each to promote even browning and cooking.
5. Roast meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure consistent golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
6. Simultaneously, warm marinara sauce in a separate saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
7. Transfer the baked meatballs directly into the heated marinara sauce, coating each thoroughly and allowing them to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8. Split sub rolls lengthwise and lightly toast them in the oven until edges become crisp and golden.
9. Carefully spoon sauced meatballs into prepared sub rolls, ensuring an even distribution.
10. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, covering the entire surface.
11. Return assembled subs to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese melts completely and develops a bubbly, slightly browned surface.

Notes

• Customize meatball size for consistent cooking, making smaller or larger depending on preference while maintaining even thickness.
• Use lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for a healthier version, which reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Add extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley to the meatball mixture for enhanced aromatics and a brighter taste profile.
• Prevent soggy bread by toasting sub rolls lightly before adding meatballs, creating a protective barrier that keeps the bread crisp and structured.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 625
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg