Irresistible Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe For Families

Whipping up a delicious meatball sub on a busy weeknight sounds like a culinary dream come true.

These hearty, easy weeknight meatball subs deliver comfort and flavor in every single bite.

Tender, juicy meatballs nestled in warm, crusty bread create a meal that satisfies even the most demanding appetites.

Melted cheese drapes over the savory meatballs, adding a rich, gooey texture that makes this sandwich irresistible.

Packed with robust marinara sauce and seasoned just right, these subs come together faster than you might expect.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Grab a napkin and dig into this crowd-pleasing sandwich that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it reaches the same internal temperature for food safety.

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and don’t overwork the meat. Use a gentle touch when forming meatballs and avoid flipping them too aggressively in the skillet.

• What cheese works best for these subs?

Provolone and mozzarella are classic choices that melt beautifully. For extra flavor, try a blend of cheeses like Italian mix or adding some parmesan on top.

• Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare meatballs up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat in marinara sauce before assembling subs.

Favorite Parts of Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Satisfy hunger fast with these delicious meatball subs that come together in less than an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and filling.
• Master Simple Cooking: Minimal kitchen skills required, with straightforward steps anyone can follow, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, these meatball subs deliver that classic deli-style experience right in your own kitchen, with gooey melted cheese and savory meatballs.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs, different cheeses, or spicy sauce to make this recipe your own signature dish.

Ingredients for Meatball Sub Sandwiches

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and juicy base for the meatballs that provides rich meat flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the meatball ingredients together and add moisture.

• Parsley, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings add depth and classic Italian-style flavor to the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps to keep the meatballs tender and hold their shape during cooking.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the meatballs.
• Sub Buns: Soft, sturdy bread that serves as the foundation for the sandwich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, rich topping to the meatball sub.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and adding a subtle flavor.

Steps to Prepare Meatball Subs

Step 1: Crafting Flavorful Meatball Mixture

Blend ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and an egg in a large mixing bowl.

Gently knead the ingredients until they’re well combined.

Roll the mixture into round, uniform meatballs about the size of a golf ball.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and carefully brown the meatballs on all sides, rotating them frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Simmering in Savory Sauce

Pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer for 15 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 3: Preparing Submarine Sandwich Base

Position your oven rack approximately 6 inches below the broiler.

Arrange submarine rolls on a baking sheet, spreading them open to create a perfect vessel for the meatballs.

Step 4: Building and Broiling Cheesy Meatball Subs

Place three meatballs on each submarine roll.

Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Slide the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden brown.

Tips for a Flavorful Meatball Sub

• Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won't dry out during cooking.
• Let meatballs slowly cook in marinara to absorb rich flavors and ensure even, tender texture throughout.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella for smoother, more even melting compared to pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
• Lightly toast buns before adding meatballs to prevent soggy bottoms and add extra crunch to your sub.
• Use a meat thermometer to check meatballs reach 160°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein every time.

Meatball Sub Spin-Offs

• Gluten-Free Meatball Sub: Replace traditional buns with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in meatball mixture.
• Vegetarian Meatball Alternative: Substitute meat with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, beans, or Beyond Meat. Use vegetable marinara sauce.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use low-carb cloud bread or large lettuce leaves instead of regular buns. Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Use Greek-style marinara with oregano and basil.

Ideas for Serving Meatball Subs

• Cozy Family Feast: Create a hearty dinner experience with these serving suggestions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Arrange subs on a large wooden board with fresh parsley garnish, making it visually appealing and inviting for sharing.
• Veggie Sidekick: Pair with crisp green salad or quick roasted broccoli to balance the rich, meaty sandwich and add nutritional value.
• Dipping Delight: Serve extra marinara sauce on the side in a small bowl for those who love extra saucy bites and want to customize their meal.

Meatball Sub Storage Tips

• Store remaining meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each sub individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Separate meatballs from buns before freezing. Place cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container, where they'll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed meatball subs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent bread from becoming rubbery and cheese from becoming tough.

Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible meatball sub that brings Italian-American flavors straight to your dinner table. Juicy homemade meatballs nestled in crusty bread, melted cheese, and zesty marinara sauce make you crave another bite of pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Homemade Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sub Ingredients:

• 24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 8 hot dog buns

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Craft uniform meatballs by gently blending ground meat with seasonings, forming 24 consistent spheres roughly the size of a golf ball.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing meatballs until golden brown on all sides, rotating every 2-3 minutes for even caramelization.
3. Pour marinara sauce over seared meatballs, reducing heat to medium-low and covering the skillet, allowing them to simmer for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Arrange submarine rolls on a rimmed baking sheet, positioning oven rack approximately 6 inches beneath broiler element and preheating to high.
5. Distribute three meatballs onto each roll, generously spooning remaining marinara sauce over the meat and sprinkling shredded cheese across the top.
6. Slide prepared subs under broiler, monitoring closely for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges of bread become lightly crisp and golden.
7. Remove from oven, let cool momentarily, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and cheese is perfectly melted.

Notes

• Customize Meatball Blend experiment with ground meats like turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for varied flavors and dietary needs.
• Sauce Flexibility choose homemade marinara or store-bought, adjusting seasoning to enhance overall taste profile.
• Cheese Options swap mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Make-Ahead Strategy prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly and reduced cooking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg