Easy homemade meatball subs with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese in toasted rolls. Perfect for family dinners or game day.
Few things are as comforting as a warm, cheesy, and saucy sandwich, and nothing hits the spot quite like a
homemade meatball sub. Imagine soft, toasted rolls stuffed with juicy, flavorful meatballs,
smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese that stretches with every bite.
It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and hearty – the kind of meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.
Meatball subs are a true American-Italian classic, popular for their bold flavors and simple preparation.
Whether enjoyed for a weeknight dinner, a weekend game day treat, or even a casual gathering with friends,
this recipe always steals the show. What makes it even better is that it’s surprisingly easy to make at home,
with just a few pantry ingredients and some fresh ground meat. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to
the store-bought version.
What sets these classic meatball subs apart is the homemade touch – tender meatballs seasoned to perfection,
a garlicky marinara sauce that simmers until flavorful, and fresh rolls toasted to golden brown.
The melted mozzarella (or provolone, if you prefer) takes it to the next level, creating the ultimate cheesy,
gooey, delicious sandwich experience.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s family-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to impress,
this meatball sub sandwich is exactly what you need. It’s hearty enough for dinner,
easy enough for lunch, and tasty enough to make everyone ask for seconds.
Get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food classic that never goes out of style!
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Ground beef (or mix of beef & pork) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) | 3 cups |
| Sub rolls or hoagie rolls | 4 medium |
| Mozzarella or provolone cheese, sliced | 1 cup |
| Optional: red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
👩🍳 Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet, cover, and let the meatballs simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and infused with flavor.
- Meanwhile, slice the sub rolls and lightly toast them in the oven until golden and slightly crisp.
- Fill each roll with meatballs and sauce, then top generously with mozzarella or provolone slices.
- Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with extra parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
These homemade meatball subs are cheesy, saucy, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty sandwich!
💡 Tips & Variations
- Cheese choices: Swap mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Garlic bread upgrade: Brush the rolls with garlic butter before toasting for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sauce for a bold, fiery version.
- Healthier option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter take on meatball subs.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or lentil meatballs for a vegetarian-friendly sub.
- Extra saucy: Double the marinara sauce and serve extra on the side for dipping.
- Meal prep friendly: Cook the meatballs ahead of time, store them in sauce, and assemble the subs just before serving.
With these variations, your classic meatball subs can be customized to fit any craving or occasion.
Whether you like them extra cheesy, spicy, or healthier, there’s always a version that will hit the spot!
🍴 Serving Suggestions
A meatball sub sandwich is already a hearty and filling meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides
can turn it into a complete feast. Here are some delicious ideas to serve alongside your homemade meatball subs:
- French fries or potato wedges: Crispy, golden fries are a classic side that balance perfectly with cheesy subs.
- Garlic bread: Double up on flavor with buttery, garlicky bread that soaks up extra marinara sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad or Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the subs.
- Soup: Pair with tomato basil soup or minestrone for a cozy, Italian-inspired meal.
- Pickles: Crunchy dill pickles or giardiniera bring a tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
- Coleslaw: Creamy slaw adds crunch and freshness, making it a great balance to saucy sandwiches.
- Roasted veggies: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a wholesome touch.
Whether you keep it simple with fries or elevate it with a soup-and-salad combo, these sides make your
homemade meatball subs even more satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or game day spreads!
✨ Conclusion
These homemade meatball subs are the ultimate comfort food – saucy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
From the tender meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce to the gooey melted cheese and toasted rolls,
this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
The best part? They’re easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, breads, or spices,
making them perfect for family dinners, parties, or game day gatherings.
Serve them with fries, salad, or soup, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love.
👉 Try this recipe today and share it with your loved ones.
Don’t forget to save it to your recipe collection and come back for more
classic comfort food recipes that bring joy to the table!
