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Meatball Subs Recipe

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These Meatball Subs are packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melty cheese, and nestled inside a toasted hoagie roll. Perfect for a hearty lunch, dinner, or game-day meal, this recipe is easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Juicy Homemade (or Frozen) Meatballs – Quick and easy!
✔️ Loaded with Marinara & Cheese – Comfort food at its finest.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and assemble when ready.
✔️ Customizable – Use store-bought or homemade ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs (Skip if Using Frozen Meatballs):

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk

For the Sauce & Assembly:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for toasting rolls)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs (Skip if Using Frozen)

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and milk.
  3. Mix until just combined, then shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 16 meatballs).
  4. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).

Step 2: Heat the Marinara & Meatballs

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm marinara sauce.
  2. Add cooked or frozen meatballs and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Toast the Hoagie Rolls

  1. Preheat the oven to broil (or 375°F for a softer sub).
  2. Brush hoagie rolls with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
  3. Toast in the oven for 2-3 minutes, until lightly golden.

Step 4: Assemble the Subs

  1. Fill each roll with 4 meatballs and spoon extra sauce over the top.
  2. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella (or provolone) cheese.
  3. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley (optional) and serve hot!

Serving Suggestions

🥗 Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
🍟 Serve with fries or chips for a classic combo.
🍞 Use garlic bread instead of hoagies for extra flavor!

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store meatballs and sauce separately from bread for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze meatballs for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm meatballs and sauce on the stovetop, then assemble fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes! Just heat them in marinara sauce until warmed through.

2. What’s the best cheese for meatball subs?

Mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan work best!

3. Can I make this low-carb?

Yes! Serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or in a lettuce wrap.

4. How do I prevent soggy bread?

Lightly toast the rolls before adding meatballs, and don’t overload with sauce.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simmer meatballs in marinara sauce on LOW for 4-6 hours.

Final Thoughts

These Meatball Subs are cheesy, saucy, and ultra-satisfying! Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.

🥖🧀 Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it! 😊