Classic Meatball Sub Sandwich

A classic meatball sub sandwich features tender, juicy meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, loaded into a toasted hoagie roll, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, hearty sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor from homemade or store-bought marinara

• Perfectly seasoned meatballs that are tender and juicy

• Melted cheese and toasted bread for maximum comfort

• Easy to make ahead or freeze for later

• Great for feeding a crowd or satisfying a hearty appetite

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• Breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper

• Olive oil (for browning)

For the sandwich:

• Hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns

• Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced

• Additional Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.

2. Roll into small meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.

4. Once browned, add marinara sauce and simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

5. While meatballs are simmering, slice hoagie rolls lengthwise and toast lightly under the broiler.

6. Place 3–4 meatballs into each roll, spoon sauce over the top, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

7. Return to the broiler briefly to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 sandwiches

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Cooking time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy meatball sub: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or meat mixture.

• Cheese-stuffed meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.

• Turkey version: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.

• Meatless option: Use plant-based meatballs and vegan cheese.

• Garlic bread sub: Brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting for added flavor.

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Store meatballs and sauce separately from the bread in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat meatballs in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Toast bread and assemble sandwiches just before serving.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes. Bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked, then simmer in sauce.

What type of bread is best for a meatball sub?

Soft, sturdy rolls like hoagie buns, Italian sandwich rolls, or ciabatta work well.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can prep the components, but assemble the sandwich just before serving to avoid soggy bread.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, store-bought frozen meatballs are a convenient option. Simmer them in sauce until heated through.

What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is traditional, but provolone or a blend with cheddar works well too.

Is it better to simmer the meatballs in the sauce or serve separately?

Simmering in sauce infuses flavor and keeps the meatballs moist.

Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your marinara and bread are also gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sandwich from falling apart?

Don’t overload the bun, and toast it lightly to keep it sturdy.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara?

Fresh tomatoes can be used to make a quick sauce, but for convenience, marinara is recommended.

Are there vegetarian meatball alternatives that work?

Yes, many store-bought plant-based meatballs or homemade lentil/mushroom versions work well.

Conclusion

A meatball sub sandwich is the epitome of comfort food — warm, cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying. Whether made from scratch or with shortcuts, it’s a timeless recipe that delivers every time. Let me know when you’re ready for the final recipe.

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