Name: Meatball Sub
Yield: 6

This Meatball Sub Recipe features tender from-scratch meatballs simmered in marinara, loaded into a toasted bun, and topped with melty Italian cheese.

Author’s note

The Meatball Sub I’ll Never Stop Craving!

Growing up, if my mom chose where the family was eating, it was always Subway. And for me, there was no experimenting, I always got the meatball sub.

Not much has changed. If there’s a meatball sub on the menu, I’m interested. After making so many satisfying meatball recipes like turkey and chicken meatballs, I knew it was time to try them in sub form. They didn’t disappoint.

These subs are packed with flavor and make the reliable weeknight dinner!

Raw meat being skillfully rolled into balls, ready to be cooked.

Ingredients

Ingredient Group	Tip
Onion, Garlic & Herbs	Grate or mince very fine and chop herbs small so everything mixes evenly
Milk & Panko	Let the breadcrumbs soak in the milk for a few minutes before mixing
Parm Cheese	Use a small grater so it blends smoothly
Egg	Beat lightly before adding
Ground Beef	Don’t overmix to keep the meatballs soft
Olive Oil	Use for browning meatballs and brushing rolls
Marinara Sauce	Use a good-quality jarred sauce or from-scratch
Sub Rolls	Lightly toast to prevent sogginess
Provolone or Italian Cheese Blend	Melts on top for a creamy finish

Meatballs gently simmering in marinara sauce, a crucial step in the preparation of the meatball sub recipe, ensuring the infusion of rich flavors.

How To Make Meatball Sub Recipe

Mix Ingredients: Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Form Meatballs: Make them the same size to cook evenly.
Sear Meatballs: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
Simmer in Marinara: Stir gently to avoid breaking the meatballs.
Toast Rolls: Toasting keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Assemble Subs: Add extra sauce for a juicier sandwich.
Melt the Cheese: Watch closely to prevent burning. Pair these subs with an Italian salad, fruit salad, or this cucumber salad.

Featured Comment

“Amazing and straightforward I have very picky eaters and they loved it!”
– Ashley

Quick Tip

Same Size Meatballs: Make all the meatballs the same size to cook evenly and handle them gently.

Stuffed buns arranged on a sheet pan, prepared for baking with cheese added on top, setting the stage for the final step in making this satisfying meal.

Storage

Meatball Sub Recipe Leftovers?

Keep Ingredients Separate: Store the meatballs and sauce in one container and the bread in another so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
Reheat Wrapped Subs: If the subs are already made, wrap them in foil and heat in the oven at 375°F for 20 mins to stop the bread from getting too crispy.