These easy Italian Meatball Subs combine homemade meatballs with marinara sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella on buttered, toasted sub rolls. They are prepared quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when homework, laundry, and after-school activities take precedence.
I love to serve them topped with pickled jalapenos and onion straws, but you can customize them to suit your taste. I love a good sub sandwich, and these are the best. They are perfect for sleepovers, movie nights, and pool parties. They are fresher than Subway, and you can prepare them with excellent ingredients you control.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Ground beef: Use ground beef with a bit of fat in it. Fat gives it flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Italian, in a pinch, Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated is best
- Seasonings: dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley or basil for garnish.
- Marinara sauce: either jarred or homemade
- Sub rolls: hoagie rolls or French baguettes
- Cheese: mozzarella, provolone, or provel
How to Make Meatball Subs
This is just the summary version of the recipe. See the recipe card below for ingredients and complete instructions.
Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs and roll them into balls. Brown them over medium heat in a large skillet. Remove any excess grease. Add the marinara and simmer the meatballs for about 15 minutes.
Butter and toast the buns. Sprinkle the buns with mozzarella, add the meatballs, and sprinkle with more cheese. Place the subs under the broiler on low until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Top the sandwiches with a bit of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley and basil.
Preparation Tips
- Use meatless pasta sauce, homemade marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce.
- For full flavor, slather the buns with garlic butter and toast them in the oven.
- Try different cheeses like provel, Fontina, or Provolone cheese.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like Italian parsley, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions For Meatball Subs
Besides potato chips or French fries, try:
- Salad: garden salad, red potato salad, fruit salad, and creamy coleslaw
- Soup: minestrone, corn chowder, or creamy ham and potato soup
- Pasta salad: Italian pasta salad, BLT pasta salad, and caprese pasta salad
More Sandwich Recipes
Meatball Sub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- 1½ cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley or fresh basil optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Mimi
These subs are top-notch. Quick to make and the result is amazing!
Amy
These subs were a total hit with my crew! Juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and that toasted roll. It’s pure comfort food magic. Loved the pickled jalapeños twist!
Beth Pierce
So happy that everyone enjoyed them!
Terri
The meatballs are my favorite part of this recipe! They’re seasoned perfectly. Not too strong, but not bland.
Beth Pierce
I agree, Terri!
Kristin
I love your sauce, and the meatballs were perfect. We really enjoyed them. I’m not ordering Subway ever again! LOL.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kristin! So much better than Subway!
Maria
I love the simplicity almost as much as the flavor! Such a straightforward comfort food. We loved it!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked the subs! They are delicious!
Michell Rossetti
Great meatball subs. The family loved every bite. I will make them again!
Nicole DeVore
This was delicious. The whole family loved it. Will definitely make it again. Thanks
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Nicole! I am so glad that everyone loved it.
Eileen M Loya
These meatball subs are a perfect meal idea for any day! I love that they are easy to make. It is also a perfect recipe for when we have left over meatballs. (I usually make a lot to keep in stock). My kids will love this. Making it soon as we have a movie night scheduled.
Suzanna
These meatball subs were absolutely delicious! There’s nothing better than a homemade sub with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and I love how versatile they are for any occasion—whether it’s a casual movie night or a fun pool party. They will be a regular thing at our house!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Suzanna! I am so happy that you liked themQ
Jenny
I love thesse meatball subs! They are such a special treat in our home. My mom especially loves them. Thanks for the great recipe!