The Meatball Sub Sandwich is a classic comfort food. Tender beef meatballs are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, all nestled in a warm sub roll.

A Meatball Sub Sandwich is one of those classic comfort foods that’s loved by many. With juicy, tender meatballs drenched in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and served on a soft hoagie bun, this sandwich is the epitome of indulgence. It’s the perfect choice for a hearty lunch, casual dinner, or game day snack.

The combination of savory meatballs, tangy sauce, and melted cheese creates a flavor-packed bite that is sure to satisfy your cravings. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making delicious homemade meatballs and show you how to assemble the perfect Meatball Sub.

“Cooking is the ultimate giving, whether it’s making a pot of soup for a friend or preparing an elaborate dinner for a holiday.” – Rachael Ray

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork for extra juiciness)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Sandwiches:

• 4 hoagie rolls (sub rolls or any long, soft sandwich bread)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and provolone)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, fresh parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
• Use your hands to shape the mixture into 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size you prefer. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for each meatball.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with tongs or a spoon. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, reduce the heat to low and add the marinara sauce to the pan, ensuring the meatballs are coated with the sauce.
• Cover the skillet and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The sauce should be simmering, but not boiling rapidly.

3. Prepare the Sandwich Rolls:

• While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the hoagie rolls. If you’d like, you can toast the rolls lightly in the oven or on a skillet for added texture and warmth.
• To do this, simply place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the edges are golden and crisp.

4. Assemble the Meatball Sub Sandwiches:

• Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully spoon a few meatballs with marinara sauce into each toasted hoagie roll.
• Top the meatballs with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning. The cheese should become bubbly and slightly browned.

5. Serve:

• Remove the meatball subs from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious, hearty sandwich!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

(Assuming the recipe makes 4 sandwiches, each sandwich contains approximately):

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g

Tips for Perfect Meatball Subs:

1. Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Freshly made breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs) will give your meatballs a better texture compared to dried breadcrumbs.
2. Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overworking the mixture can lead to tough meatballs.
3. Make the Meatballs Uniform: Try to make each meatball about the same size to ensure even cooking. You can use a cookie scoop to help with portioning.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the marinara sauce after browning to infuse them with flavor and ensure they are fully cooked.
5. Customize Your Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use provolone, gouda, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different taste.
6. Make It Spicy: If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some chili powder into the meatball mixture.
7. Make-Ahead Option: You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to assemble the subs, simply heat the meatballs in sauce and proceed with the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Meatball Sub Sandwiches:

• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese makes this sandwich filling and delicious. It’s a complete meal in one.
• Customizable: Whether you like your meatballs spicy, cheesy, or extra saucy, the Meatball Sub is highly customizable to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, hosting a game night, or making lunch for the week, meatball subs are perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients while still delivering big flavors.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Meatball Sub: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based meatballs, or use lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa to make your own veggie-based meatballs.
• Add Veggies: You can add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to your sandwich for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Meatball Sub: Add a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce or mix chili flakes into the meatball mixture for an added kick of spice.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad can be a great side dish to balance the richness of the meatball sub.
• Chips: Pairing your sub with a side of crunchy potato chips or sweet potato fries makes for a satisfying meal.
• Soup: A bowl of tomato soup is a perfect companion for your Meatball Sub, giving you a comforting and complete meal.

Meatball Subs are a timeless comfort food that brings people together with every bite. They’re hearty, flavorful, and customizable, making them the perfect meal to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!