Delicious Meatball Sub: 10 Min Magic

Oh, the humble meatball sub! If there’s one sandwich that just screams comfort food and pure satisfaction, it’s this one, right? There’s something so incredibly special about that soft, pillowy roll piled high with juicy Italian meatballs swimming in a rich marinara sauce, all topped off with gooey, melted cheese. Making this deli favorite at home is way easier than you think, and trust me, it tastes a million times better! I remember my Grandma Carla, who sparked my love for cooking, making these for us on chilly Sunday afternoons; it always felt like the biggest hug in a bun. This recipe brings all that warmth and flavor right to your kitchen, fast! You can read more about my kitchen journeys and how cooking brings us together on my About Page.

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Sub Recipe

If you’re looking for a seriously satisfying meal that comes together in a flash, you’ve found it! This meatball sub recipe is a total winner because:

• It’s incredibly quick, meaning you can get that deli-favorite taste on your table without spending all day in the kitchen.
• The flavors are out of this world – juicy Italian meatballs simmered in rich marinara, all gooey with melted cheese.
• It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned pro. I promise!
• It’s pure, unadulterated comfort food that just makes everything feel a little bit better.

Ingredients for the Perfect Meatball Sub

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to meatball sub perfection! Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. We’re using simple things you probably have or can grab easily. It makes all the difference, trust me!

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 pound ground beef – I like to use a mix, but all beef is fine!
• 1/2 pound ground pork – This adds a little extra juiciness and flavor.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – Panko or plain work great.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that salty, savory punch.
• 1/4 cup milk – Just a splash to keep things moist.
• 2 large eggs – They’re the binder that holds everything together.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key for great flavor!
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – The classic Italian herb.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Don’t forget to season!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For browning those beautiful meatballs.
• For the Sub Assembly:
• 1 jar (about 24 ounces) of your favorite marinara sauce – I love a good quality jarred sauce for speed!
• 12-15 cooked Italian-style meatballs – You can make them or use your favorite store-bought ones!
• 1 loaf of crusty French bread or 4-6 good-sized sub rolls – We’ll talk more about bread later!
• 8 ounces provolone or mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced – Or a mix of both! Who doesn’t love extra cheese?

How to Make the Ultimate Meatball Sub

Alright, let’s get down to business and make the most amazing meatball sub right in your own kitchen! It’s a journey with a few key steps, but I promise each one is worth it for that final, gooey, delicious bite. Trust me, you’ll be making this meatball sub recipe again and again. It’s so much fun to put together, and the result is pure comfort food magic, way better than any meatball you might have tried before!

Crafting Flavorful Italian Meatballs

First things first, let’s make some fantastic meatballs. In a nice big bowl, go ahead and combine that ground beef and pork. Now, toss in your breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, eggs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. The trick here is to mix everything gently! Don’t overwork it, or you’ll end up with tough meatballs, and nobody wants that. Just mix until everything is *just* combined. Then, roll them into about 12 to 15 meatballs. You want them to be a good size, you know, meaty!

Simmering Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Heat up your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place your meatballs in there and let them get a nice golden-brown sear on all sides. This step adds so much flavor! Once they’re beautifully browned, pour in that jar of marinara sauce. Give it a gentle stir, bring it all to a simmer, then turn the heat down low, pop a lid on, and let it bubble away for about 20-25 minutes. This is where the magic happens, letting those meatballs soak up all that yummy sauce and cook through perfectly.

SAVE IT

Assembling and Broiling Your Meatball Sub

Now for the best part – assembly! Get your oven broiler ready to go. While that’s heating up, slice your French bread or sub rolls horizontally, but don’t cut them all the way through, so they still hold together. Spoon those gorgeous meatballs and plenty of that rich marinara sauce right into the bread. Don’t be shy with the sauce! Then, lay your cheese slices generously on top. Pop the whole thing onto a baking sheet and under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them – you want that cheese perfectly melted and bubbly, maybe even a little golden. Be careful, the broiler is HOT!

SAVE IT

Tips for the Best Meatball Sub

Okay, so you’ve got the basic meatball sub down, but let’s talk about how to make it *even better*. A few little tricks can totally elevate this comfort food classic. My Grandma Carla always said it’s the little things that make a big difference, and she was so right! These tips will help make your meatball sub truly amazing, kind of like the vibe you get from a good grinder salad sandwich or even my scratch sloppy joes.

Choosing the Right Bread for Your Meatball Sub

This is SO important! You need a sturdy roll that can handle all that delicious saucy meatball goodness without turning into complete mush. Think crusty French bread, a good Italian loaf, or even some hearty hoagie rolls. They have to stand up to the sauciness, you know?

SAVE IT

Cheese Selection for a Cheesy Meatball Sub

While provolone and mozzarella are the classic go-to’s for a reason (hello, melty perfection!), don’t be afraid to mix it up! A little grated Parmesan on top after broiling adds another layer of salty goodness. Honestly, any good melting cheese will be delicious here.

SAVE IT

Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball Subs

Got questions about making the ultimate meatball sub? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things people ask, and my best tips to ensure your Italian meatball sandwich is a home run every time.

Can I use store-bought meatballs for my meatball sub?

Totally! If you’re short on time, grab some good quality pre-cooked Italian meatballs. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before you add them to the marinara sauce to simmer.

How do I prevent my meatball sub roll from getting soggy?

Great question! To keep your roll from turning into mush, try toasting the inside of the bread lightly before you add the meatballs and sauce. Also, using a heartier bread or roll, like a good crusty French bread, really helps!

What are the best side dishes for a meatball sub?

A meatball sub is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want sides, you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad, some crispy oven fries, or even just a handful of chips. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for This Meatball Sub Recipe

Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in one of these glorious meatball subs. Remember, this can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially the brand of marinara and cheese! It’s an estimate, but a helpful one!

• Serving Size: 1 sub
• Calories: ~650
• Fat: ~35g
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Sugar: ~15g
• Sodium: ~1200mg
• Fiber: ~5g

Share Your Delicious Meatball Sub Creations!

I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your meatball subs turned out! Did you try any special cheese combinations? Did you make your own meatballs from scratch? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it, or share your amazing creations on social media! You can also reach out through my Contact Page. Happy cooking!

Classic Meatball Sub Recipe

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Learn how to make a delicious meatball sub at home, featuring juicy Italian meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese on a soft roll. This recipe is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking/Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 12 Italian-style meatballs, cooked
• 1 loaf French bread or sub rolls
• 8 ounces provolone or mozzarella cheese, sliced

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into 12-15 meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
4. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
5. Preheat your oven broiler.
6. Slice the French bread or sub rolls horizontally, but not all the way through.
7. Spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce into the bread.
8. Top with cheese slices.
9. Place the subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For store-bought meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the marinara sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Consider using a sturdy roll like a French baguette or Italian loaf to prevent it from getting soggy.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sub
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg