These hearty Meatball Subs bring together tender, flavorful meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese in perfectly toasted garlic buttered rolls.
Packed with protein from lean ground beef and enriched with fiber from wholesome bread, they make a balanced and satisfying meal.
Quick to prepare and customizable for meal prep or weeknight dinners, these subs are deliciously indulgent yet simple enough for everyday cooking.
Easy Juicy Meatball Subs
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Broiler or oven
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Subs:
- 2 cups pasta sauce or marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella or provolone
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of lean ground beef with 1 beaten egg, ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix the ingredients until evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs dense.
- Shape the Meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them between your palms to form approximately 1-inch meatballs. Try to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Place the shaped meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even baking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatball-lined baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. You can check doneness by cutting a meatball in half; it should no longer be pink inside.
- Simmer in Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, pour 2 cups of pasta or marinara sauce into a medium saucepan. Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them into the sauce. Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the rich tomato flavors and remain tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Rolls: Cut the 4 hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. Spread 1 tablespoon of garlic butter inside each half, ensuring the butter reaches all edges for maximum flavor. Place the buttered rolls under a preheated broiler for about 3 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Subs: Arrange the toasted rolls in a 9×13 baking dish. Carefully place 4 meatballs inside each roll. Spoon a little of the warm tomato sauce over the meatballs, making sure each roll gets some of the delicious sauce.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded Italian cheese blend (or mozzarella/provolone) evenly over the meatballs in each roll. Make sure the cheese covers the meatballs well so it melts beautifully when broiled.
- Broil Until Golden and Melty: Place the assembled subs back under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers work quickly and can burn the cheese in seconds.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the Meatball Subs from the oven. Let them sit for 1–2 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle slightly. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired. These subs are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork for extra flavor.
- For a quicker option, frozen meatballs can be used—just adjust simmering time to ensure they’re heated through.
- Garlic butter adds richness and aroma; feel free to make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
- Shredded cheese melts best under a broiler, but you can also bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes if preferred.
- Uniformly sized meatballs ensure even cooking and a professional look.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Subs
Achieving the perfect Meatball Sub is all about balancing textures and flavors.
Start with high-quality, lean ground meat to keep the meatballs tender yet hearty.
Mixing in seasoned bread crumbs prevents them from drying out while helping retain moisture.
Simmering the meatballs in a rich tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld and ensures juiciness.
Don’t skip the garlic butter on the rolls—this simple step elevates the aroma and taste, giving the subs a golden, flavorful crust.
Finally, broil just long enough to melt the cheese, ensuring a gooey, visually appealing topping without overcooking the bread.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Serve these Meatball Subs hot and fresh, straight from the oven.
They pair beautifully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy oven fries.
For a cozy meal, try dipping each bite into extra marinara sauce.
Adding a handful of fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan on top can elevate the flavor profile.
These subs are also perfect for casual gatherings or game nights; cut into smaller portions to create shareable sliders.
Storage Tips to Keep Subs Fresh
If you have leftovers, store meatballs and sauce separately from the rolls to maintain texture.
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat meatballs gently in the sauce over low heat to preserve juiciness, then place on toasted rolls with cheese and broil for a few minutes.
For longer storage, meatballs and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Avoid freezing assembled subs, as bread may become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake meatballs up to 24 hours in advance.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the sauce before assembling the subs.
2. What other types of cheese can I use?
Italian cheese blends, mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar work well.
For extra flavor, try mixing mozzarella with parmesan or asiago.
3. Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely. Hoagie rolls are traditional, but ciabatta, baguettes, or even slider buns can be used.
Toasting or broiling the bread ensures it doesn’t become soggy.
4. Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Yes. You can replace the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or chickpea-based patties.
Simmer them in marinara sauce and proceed with the same assembly and broiling steps.
5. How can I make this recipe lower in fat?
Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) or turkey instead of beef.
Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option.
Additionally, brushing bread with a smaller amount of garlic butter can help cut calories while keeping flavor.
