These Italian Meatball Subs are a family favorite! Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, loaded onto crusty sub rolls, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game day feast. Prepare to be amazed at how simple it is to create this classic comfort food in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe provides clear, step-by-step instructions. You’ll have mouthwatering meatball subs ready in under an hour. This recipe focuses on delivering authentic Italian flavors without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Let’s dive in and make some incredible Italian Meatball Subs!

Italian Meatball Subs feature juicy meatballs in marinara sauce, smothered in melted cheese, and tucked into crusty rolls. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 egg
• 3 tbs parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 2 ½ cup marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1 ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 ½ inch meatballs. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
3. Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and brown them on each side. This will help to seal in the flavor and give them a nice texture.
4. Simmer in Marinara: Remove any excess grease from the pan. Pour in the marinara sauce to cover the meatballs completely. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover the skillet and let it cook for 15 minutes. Simmering allows the meatballs to fully cook and absorb the delicious marinara flavor.
5. Prepare the Sub Rolls: While the meatballs are simmering, slice the sub rolls open and place them on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the insides of the sub rolls with olive oil. This helps to create a crispy texture when broiled.
6. Broil the Rolls: Place the baking sheet under the broiler in your oven for 1-3 minutes, or until the bread starts to get crispy and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
7. Assemble the Subs: Place 3-4 meatballs with marinara sauce in each sub roll. Be generous with the sauce to keep the subs moist and flavorful.
8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the meatballs in each sub roll. Make sure the cheese covers the meatballs evenly.
9. Melt the Cheese: Place the subs back under the broiler in the oven for 1-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Again, watch closely to prevent burning.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the Italian Meatball Subs from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Italian Meatball Subs!

Recipe Video

Follow along with our video tutorial for a visual guide on how to make these amazing Italian Meatball Subs. This video will walk you through each step, ensuring you get perfect results every time!

Serving Suggestions

These Italian Meatball Subs are delicious on their own, but they can be even better with the right sides! Consider serving them with:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette
• Crispy french fries or potato wedges
• A bowl of creamy tomato soup
• Garlic bread for an extra touch of Italian flavor
• Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast

Get creative and customize your meal to your liking. The possibilities are endless!

Nutrition Information

(Approximate values per serving)

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.4 g
• Cholesterol: 143 mg
• Sodium: 1750 mg
• Potassium: 950 mg
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 11 g
• Vitamin A: 1044 IU
• Vitamin C: 11 mg
• Calcium: 320 mg
• Iron: 16 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Italian Meatball Subs? Here are some tips and variations to try:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Infusion: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil before adding the marinara sauce to enhance the garlic flavor.
• Herb Boost: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano into the meatball mixture for a fresher taste.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives to make vegetarian meatball subs.
• Bread Choice: Try different types of rolls like ciabatta or French bread for a unique texture.
• Oven-Baked Meatballs: Instead of browning the meatballs in a skillet, bake them in the oven for a healthier option. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

These simple tweaks can make a big difference in the final result, allowing you to create your perfect Italian Meatball Sub every time!

Serving Tips

Follow these serving tips to make your Italian Meatball Subs even more enjoyable:

• Warm the Rolls: Ensure your sub rolls are warm and slightly crispy before adding the meatballs and sauce. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pack each sub with as many meatballs as possible, avoid overloading them to prevent the filling from spilling out and making them difficult to eat.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the Italian Meatball Subs immediately after assembling them. This ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is still crispy.
• Cut in Half: For easier handling, cut the subs in half before serving. This is especially helpful for younger eaters or when serving as part of a buffet.
• Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance and added flavor.

By following these tips, you can elevate your Italian Meatball Sub experience and impress your family and friends!

Storage Instructions

Here’s how to properly store your leftover Italian Meatball Subs and their components:

• Meatballs and Sauce: Store leftover meatballs and marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before refrigerating.
• Sub Rolls: If you have leftover sub rolls, store them in a bread box or an airtight bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh for 1-2 days.
• Assembled Subs: Assembled Italian Meatball Subs are best consumed immediately, but if you must store them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. However, the bread may become soggy.

Reheating Instructions

Follow these instructions to reheat your Italian Meatball Subs and enjoy them again:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sub in aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to keep the bread from drying out.
• Microwave: Place the sub on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through. Be aware that the bread may become slightly soggy when microwaved.
• Skillet: Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Toast the sub roll separately and then assemble the sub. This method helps to keep the bread crispy.

Choose the method that best suits your preferences to enjoy your leftover Italian Meatball Subs!

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!