Meatball Sub Sandwiches are a beloved classic that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Originating from Italian-American cuisine, these hearty sandwiches have become a staple in many households, celebrated for their rich flavors and delightful textures. The combination of tender, savory meatballs nestled in a warm, crusty sub roll, topped with gooey melted cheese and zesty marinara sauce, creates a symphony of taste that is hard to resist.
People adore Meatball Sub Sandwiches not only for their incredible flavor but also for their convenience. They make for a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Whether you’re enjoying them at a family gathering or indulging in a late-night snack, these sandwiches offer a satisfying experience that warms the heart and fills the belly. Join us as we explore the delightful world of meatball subs and discover how to create your own delicious version at home!
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembling the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. This combination adds flavor and moisture to the meatballs.
- Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the meat mixture.
- Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once mixed, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Cooking the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the marinara sauce.
Preparing the Marinara Sauce
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Add the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the marinara sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Assembling the Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- While the meatballs are simmering in the sauce, prepare the hoagie rolls. If desired, you can lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes to add some crunch.
- Once the rolls are ready, take a generous amount of the meatballs from the sauce and place them inside each hoagie roll. Aim for 4-6 meatballs per sandwich, depending on your preference.
- Using a ladle, spoon some

Conclusion:
In summary, these Meatball Sub Sandwiches are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their sandwich game. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in a perfectly toasted sub roll creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner, a game day gathering, or a cozy night in, these sandwiches are sure to impress. For a delightful twist, consider adding sautéed bell peppers and onions for an extra layer of flavor, or switch up the cheese with provolone or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also make them with turkey or plant-based meatballs for a lighter or vegetarian option, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious meal. We encourage you to try this Meatball Sub Sandwich recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and tag us on social media! Your feedback and variations can inspire others to dive into this hearty dish. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a comforting classic that will surely become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking! Print
Meatball Sub Sandwiches: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Homemade Variations
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Enjoy these delicious Meatball Sub Sandwiches filled with juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, drenched in rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty meal any time of the day!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
- Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil to the meat mixture.
- Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding approximately 20-24 meatballs.
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned. Check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the marinara sauce.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Add the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the marinara sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the hoagie rolls. Optionally, lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes.
- Take a generous amount of meatballs from the sauce and place them inside each hoagie roll, aiming for 4-6 meatballs per sandwich.
- Spoon some marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- You can also customize the toppings by adding sautéed peppers or onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
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