Meatball Subs are the kind of meal that never goes out of style. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a cozy movie night, or a party with friends, this recipe delivers serious flavor with very little fuss. Combining juicy homemade meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled in a toasted sub roll, these sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food. What makes them truly special is that they’re made with fresh, simple ingredients that come together in under 40 minutes. This version is not only easy to prepare but also customizable with various toppings like jalapeños, onion straws, or fresh herbs. Loved by kids and adults alike, these subs are a reliable crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to your weeknight rotation. Plus, they’re so much better than anything you’ll find at a sandwich chain. Whether served with a side of soup, salad, or fries, these meatball subs will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the full recipe and everything you need to make this sandwich a hit.
1 lb ground beef
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
1 egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 cups marinara or pasta sauce (jarred or homemade)
4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
1½ cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional)
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, turning occasionally.
Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Pour in the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
Meanwhile, preheat your broiler.
Split and lightly butter the sub rolls, then toast them under the broiler until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven.
Place a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
Add 4 to 5 meatballs per sub, then top with additional cheese.
Return the subs to the broiler briefly, just until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Serve hot, with your favorite sides.
Calories: 705 per serving
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 157mg
Sodium: 1619mg
Potassium: 780mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Vitamin A: 1019 IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 326mg
Iron: 16mg