These easy Italian Meatball Subs combine homemade meatballs with marinara sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella all on buttered, toasted sub rolls. They are quick to come together, making them perfect for busy weeknights when homework, laundry, and after-school activities are taking precedence.
The Best Meatball Subs
I love a good sub sandwich! These subs are the best. They are perfect for sleepovers, movie nights, and pool parties. They are so much fresher than Subway, and you can prepare them with excellent quality ingredients that you control. My family and friends rave about them, and they love it when I fix them. I love to serve these sandwiches with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Cucumber Tomato Salad, or Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
How to make Meatball Subs
Make the Meatballs
Start by mixing together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Next, roll the mixture into one-inch balls and brown in a large skillet.
Add the Sauce and Simmer
Now add the pasta sauce and simmer over medium-low for about 15 minutes.
Prep the Bread and Assemble
Now butter the buns and toast them a little bit under the broiler. Then spread half the shredded mozzarella over the bottom of the sub rolls. Spoon five meatballs into each roll and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Finally, broil the sandwiches just until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Broilers are unpredictable, so stay close by. Top with chopped fresh Italian parsley or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For best results, serve promptly.
Recipe Tips
- This recipe works with both fresh and frozen meatballs. You can also make this recipe with ground turkey, ground pork, or Italian sausage if desired.
- Use meatless pasta sauce, homemade marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce.
- If you prefer, bake the meatballs on a baking sheet at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Then spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs after you add them to the buns.
- I like to use fresh submarine rolls or hoagie rolls, but you could also use hot dog buns. Hot dog buns hold about three meatballs, so this recipe would go a little further.
- For full flavor, slather the buns with garlic butter and toast them in the oven.
- Using a large baking dish like a 9 x 13 allows you to tip the sandwiches on their side and makes for a fabulous presentation.
- Try different cheeses like provel, fontina, or provolone cheese.
- Broilers are unpredictable, so stay close by and monitor the progress.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like Italian parsley, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
What do you put on a Meatball Sub?
- pickles
- onion straws
- pan fried bell peppers
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- pickled jalapenos
- banana peppers
- crushed red pepper
- pepperoni
What to Serve with a Meatball Sub
- easy garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- minestrone, vegetable soup, or Corn Chowder
- pasta salad
- potato chips or French fries
- Creamy Coleslaw or Vinegar Coleslaw
- fruit salad
- potato salad
More delicious sandwiches to try!
Best Meatball Sub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1 1/2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, egg, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides. Drain any excess grease. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- While the meatballs are simmering, split, butter, and toast the sub rolls under the broiler.
- Spread half of the cheese over the bottom of the rolls. Place 5 meatballs in each roll and top with the remainder of the cheese. Broil the sandwiches just until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve promptly.
Notes
- This recipe works with both fresh and frozen meatballs. You can also make this recipe with ground turkey or Italian sausage if desired.
- Use meatless pasta sauce, marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce.
- If you prefer, bake the meatballs on a baking sheet at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Then spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs after you add them to the buns.
- I like to use fresh submarine rolls or hoagie rolls, but you could also use hot dog buns. Hot dog buns hold about three meatballs, so this recipe would go a little further.
- For full flavor, slather the buns with garlic butter and toast them in the oven.
- Using a large casserole dish like a 9 x 13 allows you to tip the sandwiches on their side and makes for a fabulous presentation.
- Try different cheeses like provel, fontina, or provolone cheese.
- Broilers are unpredictable, so stay close by and monitor the progress.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like Italian parsley, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Liane
I had a bunch of meatballs in the freezer, and didn’t want to serve spaghetti and meatballs to my family again. I came across this recipe which inspired me to try making meatball subs. Wow, a total hit! My 11 year old said that the recipe is a for sure keeper. Thanks for the inspo!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Liane! So glad that you liked the meatball subs!
Jessica P
I recently discovered your page (I’m super picky about who I follow… the recipes must be AMAZING lol) and I must say, this meatball sub recipe was a big hit with my family of 4! Thank you so much for posting, I can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much, Jessica! I am so glad that you liked the meatball subs.
Richard Lowe
I love meatball subs! There was a time, years ago, when I ate one every day for months. Thanks for the recipe.
Wendy Valentine
My husband and I just made these deliciously yummy Meatballs Sub recipe. We did the recipe too a T & we are so impressed. The flavor is superb. Thank you so much. I’ve made meatball subs my whole life, this receipt is the best I’ve ever made! We love them.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Wendy! I am so glad that you and your husband enjoyed them! Happy New Year to you and yours!
Keri
Should the parmesan cheese be grated or shredded?
Beth Pierce
Good catch! Thanks for the heads up. Grated, please
Clarice
This looks really delicious. This is very timely since the boys will be spending time at home. This is a perfect afternoon snack. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Love the idea of adding some pickled jalapenos.
Rose
I’ve always loved the way a meatball sub looks. The cheese draping over that meat makes it look more gourmet than just any old lunch.
Beth Pierce
So true!
Ed
I think I will be using ground pork for this recipe. I’ve got just the person to deliver to me the right kind of quality pork for these subs. I will definitely share my feedback.
Steph
These meatball subs are simply delish and filling! I served thme for our football party and everyone enjoyed the subs. Made them exactly as listed in the recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Steph!
Ramil H
I am glad I found this. Adding delightful twists to classic comfort foods is a must, and your Italian Meatball Subs seem like the perfect addition to my menu. I love how you’ve broken down the recipe in a way that even someone like me, not a pro chef, can follow along.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ramil! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Cathleen
I LOVE meatball subs, so I was so excited to try this recipe! They were so yummy and easy to make! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe 🙂
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Cathleen!
Sara
This was everything a gourmet sandwich should be, and then some! Easy, hearty and delicious; definitely, a new favorite recipe!
Kim
OOH how yummy! These were a huge hit at our house and the kids asked when I can make them again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kim! So glad that they enjoyed them!
Chenee
These meatball subs were absolutely delicious. I will make them again!
Casey
I’ve always loved meatball subs. They’re one of my favorite weeknight dinners! I will often just make several batches of meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Then thaw on the day I plan to use them.
Jacquelyn
I made these meatball sandwiches last night for dinner and somehow they turned out fantastic! Everything that could go wrong went wrong! lol. First, due to sheer laziness I purchased prepared meatballs from the butcher dept at my local grocery store. The butcher said the meat was ground rib eye so I assumed (correctly!) that the meatballs would be delicious. They were. While toasting the buns I did not keep an eye on my broiler and kind of burned those first 3 buns. I quickly dumped them off of the baking dish onto my kitchen counter and started fresh with 3 new buns – which I slightly burned again. I dumped them on my counter also to quickly get them off the hot pan. A few minutes later I go to assemble the sandwiches and realized that there was water on my counter so the buns are now a bit soggy and burned! I filled them anyway and once again placed the sandwiches under the broiler – did not burn anything this time! I apologized to the family for the soggy/burned buns and guess what – somehow the sandwiches turned out absolutely fantastic!!!! So so good! Hard to believe! Can’t wait to make again! I might even make my own meatballs this time but then again, the meatballs from my butcher were REALLY good!
Beth Pierce
Oh boy! There was a lot going on there but I am glad to hear that everyone liked them anyway.
Rik
Next to bread crumbs on the ingredients list you have see notes. There isn’t anything in the notes about the bread crumbs however. ??
Beth Pierce
Silly me! I will take a look. Thanks for the heads up!
Lori Loepp
Two months later and still nothing about the bread crumbs in the notes. Curious as to what the notes were, that’s all.
Did we need the bread crumbs? Are they optional?
Beth Pierce
Sorry, Lori. I must have missed this the first time. Yes you do need the bread crumbs. I am sure that I was going to put that you could use homemade breadcrumbs or even panko breadcrumbs.
Lori Loepp
Thank you Beth! I was finally able to make these and they were a hit. So easy and pleasantly delicious. This is the ONLY way I’m making meatball subs from now on.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Lori! I am so glad that you liked the meatball subs!
Clarice
Wow! This looks really delicious. I haven’t really thought about making meatball subs but it totally makes sense since I love the little meatballs on my pizza. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Can’t wait to try it. Will definitely add some parsley to it and lots of parmesan cheese.
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT
I love a good meatball sub, and your recipe was delicious! Using fresh herbs and homemade sauce adds a beautiful depth of flavor. Thank you for sharing this mouth-watering recipe – I can’t wait to make it again and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal.
Fransic verso
Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe! It was so delicious and easy. My daughter is such a picky eater and she ate the whole thing.
Nayna Kanabar
Making meatballs at home is so easy. It is so much nicer than having store-bought ones! You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Patricia Chamberlain
Meatball Subs are a favorite in my house! These were a huge hit! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Debbie
These Italian Meatball Subs were amazing. I absolutely love meatball subs and this is a great recipe. Thank you for the easy-to- follow instructions.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Debbie! Glad that you like the meatball subs!
Whitney Stewart
Just when I was thinking I didn’t have a decent meatball sub recipe! I’m really doubling down on collecting some good recipes that I can cook at home when I have a bit more free time. So you better believe I’m saving this one! Thanks so much for sharing!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Whitney!
Makayla Derro
Does anyone know the macros to this recipe?
Cynthia
These were easy to make and I would make them again, however the first time we made them we followed the recipe to the letter. I even made my favorite sauce from scratch. The meatballs were very bland. I know that everyone’s taste differ, however for me they didn’t have flavor. The next time I try these, I will try doubling the seasoning.
Clarice
Wow! These were delicious and easy to make. Thank you for sharing the recipe. My family wants me to make them again soon.
Brian
I like how you mentioned that your version is fresher than Subway. Have a Happy New Year!
Beth Pierce
Happy New Year to you as well.
Nayna Kanabar
A really vesatile recipe that is perfect to make for sharing when you are having agames or movie night.
Whitney Stewart
This sandwich is making me hungry! Good thing it already time for lunch! I’ll definitely keep this in the archives for when I have a spontaneous craving for a gourmet sandwich of this caliber. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Yeah Lifestyle
These meatball subs were absolutely delicious. The kids just love them and they want me to make them again soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Sienny
Ohh my…while reading this, making me crave hungry as I’m a meatball lover. I saved this for my next weekend to do.
Glass Mosaic Tiles
oh my!!! I need to taste this amazing sandwich…I can’t to make it, thank you so so much….
Tammy
How absolutely delicious and flavorful! This was so good. It’s a fun sandwich to make for the family.
Kristin
I’ve made these twice and they came out delicious both times! Husband loves them, too! Well written recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kristin! So glad that you and your husband like the meatball subs!
Ntensibe Edgar
It has been ages since I last had meatballs and these look delicious. I am going to make this. Thanks for sharing its recipe.
briannemanzb
This is honestly the best meatball sub recipe I’ve ever made for my family. Everyone loved it and gave it a 10 out of 10 rating 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks Brianne! That is awesome. I am so glad that the whole family loved them!
Marysa
I never thought to make meatball subs before. What an easy idea for a hearty meal!
Bryan
Meatball subs are the style I most commonly order when I order take out. But they are fairly easy to make at home, not to mention much better tasting!
Beth Pierce
So true!
Luna S
Yum! This post is making me hungry. This is a favorite in our house, I may have to add this to the menu for this week 🙂 Thanks for sharing this.
Stephanie
I’m glad this works with frozen meatballs because I am going to make this for lunch today! It’s a great way to use those meatballs for something other than just to go with spaghetii.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Stephanie! Enjoy!!
Jupiter Hadley
Our middle child loves meatballs and loves bread! This is such a good midweek meal idea!
Tammy
Mmm these look SO good! I could go for one of these subs right now..how delicious 😀
Claudia
I’d love a good sub sandwich too! How come I’ve never made one before? These are great.
Stephanie
I haven’t had a meatball sub in so long! We have some meatballs in the freezer, I’m going to have to add this to the menu. My boys love spaghetti and meatballs but I’m getting tired of it so this is a much better option for using the meatballs!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Stephanie! I hope you and your boys enjoy the subs!
Glass Mosaic Tiles
This looks so so good!!! I can’t wait to make your recipe, I love Meatball subs, so good!!!
ShariB
Planning on making these in a few weeks for a family cookout. Sound so good and easy. Could I make the meatballs a week ahead and freeze?
Beth Pierce
Yes you most certainly can. Enjoy!!
Anthony cowan
Just made these fantastic subs family loves them
Will be making again!!!!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Anthony! So glad that they like them! Such a great choice this time of year!
Tj
What size do you make the meatballs ??
Beth Pierce
1 inch meatballs
Sharon
I ended up with 35 one inch meatballs; i measured. Not a bad thing but wonder what I missed.
Anna
Can you bake these meatballs in the oven? If so what is your suggestion on temp and length of time? Thank you!!
Beth Pierce
400 degrees for about 20 minutes
Jen
We make these almost every other weekend. They’re so good and everyone loves them. Thanks for such an easy recipe.
Jessica Burgess
My husband absolutely LOVES meatball subs but I hadn’t made them before so I searched and found this one! I’m SOOOO glad that I did because they were amazing!
stephanie
Big hit at my house! Definitely making this again.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Meatball Subs are always fun to eat. It’s always interesting to see how other people serve them.
Amy
Meatball subs are one of the best things ever, love this version!
Bintu
These meatball subs were so delicious and so simple to make! I can see them becoming a lunchtime staple in our house!
Claudia Lamascolo
This recipe was super simple with your step by step instructions and the subs were devoured quickly!
Lima Ekram
Awesome recipe – I really enjoyed it!
Sara Welch
This is everything a gourmet sandwich should be and then some! Comfort food at its finest; delish!
Bintu | Budget Delicious
These sound so simple and delicious – perfect for my whole family as we all love meatballs.
Suzy
I really love how the meatballs are homemade! They are so tasty!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
Now that we’re home schooling and home working and have more time for lunches, I can’t wait to make it for my daughters lunch tomorrow!
Jess
These are everything that a meatball sub should be and more! Love them!
Judy P
These sound great, but why not make the meat into a hot dog shape instead of the meatball? Can’t wait to try these!
Beth Pierce
Well they might not cook all the way through and they would not simmer in the sauce as well.
Mandy
Poorly written recipe. How man meat balls am I supposed to make? Approximately how long do I need to cook these?
Beth Pierce
All of it is in the recipe. I don’t think you are scrolling down to the full recipe. It is down at the bottom of the post or there is a jump to recipe at the top of every post.
Elena
Most likely poorly read. Recipe is spot on.
Ariel
Back to make this for a 2nd time in 2 weeks….just wonderful!! My family loves these!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Ariel! So glad that you like them!
Cathy
These are on my dinner menu for tonight!!!
Suzy
Loved the homemade meatballs! You could use them for just about anything! So tasty in the sub!
Beti
We enjoyed these meatball subs so much!! I am definitely making these again!! Amazing!
katerina
Oh my, these meatball subs look SO GOOD!! My family would love them!
Debbie
Amazing taste and very easy to make! These were a hit with everyone and I will make them again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Debbie! So glad that everyone liked them.
Toni Dash
Everyone at my house loved this meatball subs! A new favorite at my house!
Allyson Zea
Wow these meatball subs were absolutely delicious, and so easy! Thank you so much for the delicious recipe!
Erin
These Italian Meatball Subs are mouth watering!
Sara Welch
This was everything a gourmet sandwich should be, and then some! Easily, my new favorite sub! Delicious!