Description
This Best Meatball Sub Recipe features juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, layered with melted mozzarella cheese, and served in toasted sub rolls. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal, these subs come together in just 35 minutes and offer classic Italian-American flavors with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for added depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Sauce and Assembly
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1.5 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix and Shape Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Then, roll the mixture into evenly sized 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and cook them, turning often, until all sides are nicely browned. This step locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust. Drain any excess grease from the skillet once browned.
- Simmer in Marinara: Pour the marinara or pasta sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Stir gently to coat all meatballs with sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer for 15 minutes so the meatballs cook through and the flavors blend beautifully.
- Prepare and Toast Rolls: While the meatballs are simmering, split the sub rolls lengthwise. Optionally, butter the insides lightly for extra richness. Place the rolls under the broiler until they turn golden brown and crispy, which adds a perfect crunchy texture to the sandwich.
- Assemble Subs: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly onto the bottom halves of each toasted roll. Arrange approximately five hot meatballs per sub on top of the cheese. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs if desired, then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil and Serve: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and return them to the broiler just long enough to melt and lightly brown the mozzarella cheese. Remove from the oven and garnish with additional grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley or basil, if using. Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or marinara sauce.
- To save time, you can use pre-made meatballs and marinara sauce but fresh homemade yields the best flavor.
- Sub rolls can be toasted in a toaster oven as an alternative to broiling.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce are great for pasta or a quick dinner the next day.
