Meatball Sub Recipe: Easy & Delicious!
Why you’ll love it: These meatball subs are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack! Keep meatballs in your freezer for ultimate convenience. Everyone loves this classic!
Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Equipment Needed: Saucepan, Baking Sheet
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, cheesy meatball sub. It’s comfort food at its finest – a delicious combination of tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled in a toasted bun. Think of it as a pizza, but in sandwich form!
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun game day spread, or any time you crave a satisfying meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, these meatball subs are easy to customize and always a hit.
About This Meatball Sub Recipe
This meatball sub recipe is incredibly versatile! You can use any meatballs you enjoy – homemade or store-bought both work perfectly.
For a lighter option, try using baked turkey meatballs. They’re a bit leaner than traditional beef meatballs, packed with flavor, and super easy to make. I almost always have a batch in my freezer, which makes whipping up these subs a breeze!
If you prefer classic flavors, you can certainly use traditional meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork. Whether you choose to bake them, cook them in the air fryer, or simmer them on the stovetop, the choice is yours.
Meatball Sub Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering meatball subs:
- Submarine Buns: Choose sturdy sub buns or hoagie rolls. They need to be able to hold all that delicious filling!
- Meatballs: Your choice of meatballs – turkey, beef, homemade, or store-bought.
- Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce works perfectly. You can even use homemade pizza sauce!
- Cheese: Shredded cheese is a must! A mix of provolone and mozzarella provides the ultimate gooey, cheesy experience.
How to Make the Best Meatball Subs
Making these meatball subs is simple! Follow these easy steps:
1. Prep the Meatballs: Warm the meatballs in your marinara sauce. If you’re using frozen meatballs, they’ll take a little longer to heat through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the Buns: For extra flavor, you can toast the buns. A simple garlic butter spread on the inside and a few minutes under the broiler will take your subs to the next level. You can also hollow out the bottom of your bun just a bit to fit more meatballs in there, but this is optional!
3. Assemble the Subs: Place the warm meatballs and some of the marinara sauce into the prepared buns. Cover generously with shredded cheese.
4. Broil: Broil the subs for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning!
5. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness. Enjoy your delicious meatball subs!
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important ingredient, of course, is meatballs! A classic meatball sub also includes marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. You can customize it further with other toppings, as suggested below!
Since meatball subs are already a hearty meal, consider lighter side dishes like a fresh salad (creamy coleslaw, arugula salad, or a simple cucumber onion salad), or fresh fruit. Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms are also a great addition, and can be added to the sub or eaten on the side.
Absolutely! It consists of meat, cheese, and bread, which fits the definition of a sandwich perfectly. Due to the warm, hearty nature of the meatball sub, it makes a great main course.
Customize Your Meatball Subs
Want to add your own twist to these meatball subs? Here are some ideas:
- Add Veggies: Sauté sliced bell peppers, onions, and/or mushrooms, and add them to the sandwich on top of the meatballs before the cheese.
- Add Pepperoni: Incorporate some pepperoni slices for extra pizza flavor.
- Try a Different Meatball: If you are not in the mood for pizza, try making chipotle honey glazed meatballs on a bun instead!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Meatball subs are best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, if you have leftovers, store them properly:
To store, wrap the subs and refrigerate for up to one day.
To reheat, wrap the sub in foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
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More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
Love a good sandwich? Try these other tasty recipes:
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
- Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Burgerwith Tomato and Basil
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
- The Best Easy Turkey Burgers
- Easy Sloppy Joes
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Turkey Sliders, i.e. Rachel Sandwich Sliders
- Best Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe