Irresistible Meatball Subs: A Flavorful Game Night Delight

There’s something magical about a meatball sub. Picture this: soft, toasted bread cradling juicy, savory meatballs swimming in rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese. Each bite bursts with flavors that dance on your taste buds, and the aroma wafts through the air like an inviting hug. It’s the kind of dish that could bring even the grumpiest cat to the dinner table.

I remember the first time I made meatball subs for my friends during a game night. It was a glorious evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a lot of sauce splatters. They devoured each sub with reckless abandon, and I swear I saw one of them tear up from sheer joy—either that or they were just really invested in the game. Whatever the case, meatball subs create unforgettable moments.

I served these beauties at a party once, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than free samples at a Costco!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 beef for that perfect balance of juiciness without being too greasy.

• Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor; they help bind the meatballs perfectly.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth and a nutty flavor that pre-packaged cheese just can’t match.

• Marinara Sauce: A good quality sauce makes all the difference; homemade or store-bought works wonders here.

• Sub Rolls: Opt for fresh hoagie rolls that can hold all those delicious toppings without falling apart.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that gooey stretch every sub needs.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, and herbs. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it or your meatballs will be tough!

Shape Them Up: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and form golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brown Those Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches; cook until browned on all sides—about 8-10 minutes total. They don’t need to be cooked through yet.

Add Marinara Sauce: Once browned, pour marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until cooked through and saucy.

Prep Your Rolls: While meatballs simmer, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice sub rolls lengthwise but don’t cut all the way through—this helps hold all those juicy fillings.

Assemble Your Subs!: Spoon meatballs into each roll generously; top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Now you have glorious meatball subs ready to devour! Serve them up hot with extra marinara on the side for dipping—you’ll thank yourself later when you’re licking those fingers clean!

Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the meatballs until golden, while simmering the sauce on the stovetop to enhance flavors. This two-step process ensures juicy meatballs and a rich sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap beef for turkey or add spices like crushed red pepper for an extra kick. Personalize your subs with favorite toppings like jalapeños or sautéed onions.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, keeping them warm and tasty.

Sharing my first experience making meatball subs is still one of my fondest memories; my friends devoured them faster than I could make more!

FAQ

What bread works best for meatball subs?

A crusty hoagie roll or sub bun holds up well against juicy meatballs.

Can I freeze leftover meatball subs?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for quick meals later without losing quality.

How do I prevent soggy bread?

To avoid sogginess, toast the bread lightly before adding sauce and meatballs.

Print

Savory Meatball Subs

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Indulge in the comfort of homemade meatball subs, where juicy meatballs meet rich marinara sauce, all enveloped in warm, toasted hoagie rolls. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, these flavor-packed sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable, they promise to be a hit with family and friends!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 fresh hoagie rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh herbs (like basil and parsley) to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, and herbs until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs for about 8-10 minutes.
5. Pour marinara sauce over browned meatballs; reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise without cutting through completely.
7. Generously spoon meatballs into each roll and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sub (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg