If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that combines hearty meatballs, gooey cheese, and a perfectly toasted roll, look no further than the Best Meatball Sub Recipe. This divine sandwich is a warm hug in meal form, loaded with juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and finished with a crisp sub roll that holds everything together beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a family dinner or craving a comforting classic, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Best Meatball Sub Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that iconic flavor and texture balance. From the seasoned ground beef forming tender meatballs, to the cheese that melts into melty perfection, every component is essential for the ultimate sandwich experience.
- 1 lb ground beef: The juicy base of your meatballs, offering rich flavor and tender texture.
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while adding subtle texture and seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping): Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the beef.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to keep your meatballs perfectly shaped and moist.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings the classic Italian herb aroma and flavor to the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the herbal notes with a slightly sweet, peppery touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory undertones without overpowering the meatballs.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers that classic garlic punch essential for Italian dishes.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Provides a mild heat and depth.
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce: The luscious sauce that simmers with the meatballs and ties the sandwich together.
- 4 sub rolls: Sturdy enough to hold all the fillings and crisp when toasted.
- 1.5 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish to your subs.
How to Make Best Meatball Sub Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape Meatballs
Start by combining your ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and all the flavorful seasonings in a large bowl. Mixing until just combined is key—you want your meatballs tender, not dense. Then, roll the mixture into generous 1-inch meatballs that will cook evenly and fit perfectly inside your subs.
Step 2: Brown Meatballs
Cooking your meatballs in a hot skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides not only develops incredible flavor through caramelization but also seals in the juices. Be sure to turn them occasionally for that even golden crust that makes every bite delicious.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara
Once browned, pour your marinara or pasta sauce into the skillet and nestle the meatballs in gently. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and ensure the meatballs cook through fully. This simmering keeps them tender and infuses each bite with rich tomato goodness.
Step 4: Prepare and Toast Rolls
While meatballs are simmering, split your sub rolls. You can butter them lightly for extra flavor and then toast under the broiler until golden and crisp. This step is crucial because it creates a sturdy but crunchy base that won’t get soggy once the sauce gets added.
Step 5: Assemble Subs
Sprinkle half the mozzarella on the bottom half of each toasted roll—this layers cheese beneath the meatballs for extra melty goodness. Then pile in about 5 hot meatballs each, spoon over some extra marinara sauce if you like things saucy, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Broil and Serve
Pop your assembled sandwiches back under the broiler just long enough for the cheese to melt and develop a slight golden brown. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a vibrant touch, then serve immediately while everything’s warm and melty.
How to Serve Best Meatball Sub Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley or basil brightens up the rich meatball subs with a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor. Adding extra Parmesan cheese on top offers a salty bite that perfectly complements the melty mozzarella and savory sauce.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even roasted vegetables pair beautifully with these hearty meatball subs. They help balance the indulgence by adding a crisp or light contrast on the plate, turning your meal into a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatball subs open-faced with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few pickled peppers to add a tangy kick. Or, try cutting the subs into smaller sliders for an irresistible party appetizer that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatball subs wrapped tightly in foil or a container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the bread from getting soggy, you can also store the meatballs and sauce separately and toast fresh rolls when ready to serve.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the buns separately or fresh when you thaw the meatballs to maintain texture and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated subs in an oven or toaster oven wrapped loosely with foil to warm evenly without drying out. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming through. Broiling again briefly can revive that wonderful melted cheese finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will still make delicious, tender meatballs. Just be mindful of slightly shorter cooking times and maybe add a little extra seasoning for flavor.
How can I make the meatballs more moist?
Using breadcrumbs and egg in the mixture helps keep meatballs juicy. You can also add a splash of milk or grated onion for added moisture if you like.
What’s the best bread to use for a meatball sub?
Look for soft yet sturdy sub rolls with a crusty exterior so they hold up well under the sauce and fillings without getting soggy.
Can these meatballs be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs up to the simmering stage a day ahead, then reheat gently in sauce before assembling your subs.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Best Meatball Sub Recipe has mild, classic Italian flavors without heat. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or the meatballs if you want a little kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, cheesy, saucy meatball sub. This Best Meatball Sub Recipe is straightforward, comforting, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So grab those ingredients and start cooking—your new favorite sandwich awaits!
Print
Best Meatball Sub Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Best Meatball Sub recipe features juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, layered inside toasted sub rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying sandwich, this classic Italian-American dish combines savory flavors with a tender, crumbly texture for an unbeatable meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
Subs Assembly
- 4 sub rolls
- 1.5 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix and Shape Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix until just combined to avoid toughening the meat. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until browned evenly on all sides. This process forms a flavorful crust and seals in juices. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Simmer in Marinara: Pour the marinara or pasta sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and let them simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook thoroughly inside.
- Prepare and Toast Rolls: While the meatballs simmer, split the sub rolls lengthwise. Optionally, butter them lightly for extra flavor and crispiness. Place the rolls under the broiler, watching closely, and toast just until they become golden and crisp but not burnt.
- Assemble Subs: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom halves of each toasted sub roll. Carefully arrange about 5 hot meatballs on top of the cheese layer in each roll. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the meatballs if desired, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top to complete the sandwich filling.
- Broil and Serve: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler again for a short time, just until the mozzarella cheese melts and becomes lightly browned. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped fresh parsley or basil for brightness. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
- Using fresh herbs instead of dried can enhance the taste.
- Butter the rolls before toasting for a richer flavor and better crunch.
- Adjust seasoning in marinara sauce to your taste; add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
