Meatball Sub Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to make at home, this meatball sub recipe is perfect. In this blog, I’ll show you how to make a simple yet tasty meatball sub that everyone will love.

Meatball Sub Recipe
Description
This easy meatball sub recipe is great for anyone craving a quick and hearty meal. You can create a flavorful sub in no time with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe will guide you through each step to create a crispy, saucy, and delicious meatball sub.
Ingredients for Meatball Sub Recipe
Instructions for Meatball Sub Recipe
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Step 1: Prepare the Sub Roll and Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Start by slicing your subroll lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through so it stays intact and can hold the filling better. Brush the inside of the roll with a little olive oil for a golden crisp texture. This step also helps keep the bread from becoming soggy after adding the sauce. Place the sub roll on a baking sheet and toast it in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the edges become lightly golden and crisp.
While the sub is toasting, warm up your meatballs. If you’re using store-bought meatballs, follow the instructions on the package to heat them. If you’re making them from scratch, you can use a simple meatball recipe that includes ground meat (beef or pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, seasoning, and herbs like parsley and garlic. Make sure they are fully cooked before assembling the sandwich. After heating, set the meatballs aside.
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Step 2: Heat the Marinara Sauce
Next, you’ll need to heat your marinara sauce. Pour about ½ cup of sauce into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning. If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning into the sauce as it simmers. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it’s hot and slightly thickened.
If you have a homemade marinara sauce, feel free to use it. A high-quality store-bought marinara will also work perfectly here. The key is making sure the sauce is rich and full of flavor, as it’s the main component that ties the entire sub-together.
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Step 3: Assemble the Meatball Sub
Once the sub roll is toasted and the sauce is ready, it's time to assemble the meatball sub. Place the warmed meatballs inside the toasted roll, distributing them evenly. Ladle the warm marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is generously coated. This will not only add moisture but will also give that classic Italian taste to your sub.
Now, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs. If you love cheese, don’t be shy—add a generous amount! After that, sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory goodness. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates the perfect cheesy, melty topping.
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Step 4: Bake the Meatball Sub
Place the assembled meatball sub back into the oven and bake it for about 10 minutes at 180°C. This will allow the cheese to melt and turn golden, while the edges of the bread become even crispier. Keep an eye on the sub while it’s in the oven so it doesn’t overcook or burn. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
Once it’s done baking, remove the sub from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Allowing it to rest and letting flavors meld together perfectly. When ready, serve your hot, cheesy meatball sub and enjoy the rich flavors in every bite!
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- Calories from Fat 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat sub rolls and low-fat cheese. You can also substitute turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option. To add extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding sautéed vegetables like onions or bell peppers. This recipe can be easily scaled up if there are more people—add more ingredient quantities accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make the meatballs and marinara sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the sandwich and bake it as directed.
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and heat them before assembling your sub.
Toasting the sub roll before assembling is key to preventing sogginess. Also, make sure to spoon the sauce carefully to avoid adding too much liquid to the sandwich.
Yes! Feel free to swap in different cheeses like provolone or add extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms or peppers to make this sub your own.