Easy Juicy Meatball Subs
Tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, nestled in garlic buttered rolls, and topped with melty cheese. A protein-packed, fiber-rich, and quick meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- 9x13 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 9x13 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.
