Cheesy Meatball Subs are the kind of meal that brings a big, comforting smile to your face. Picture juicy, tender meatballs nestled inside a soft sub roll, all smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted, gooey cheese. It’s a quick way to satisfy a craving for something hearty and flavorful without a lot of fuss.
I love making these because they come together so easily, and everyone in my family always asks for seconds. A tip I’ve learned is to toast the buns just a little before piling on the meatballs and cheese—that way, the bread holds up perfectly without getting soggy. Plus, the toasty edges add a nice extra bite.
Serving these with a simple side salad or some crunchy chips makes for a great casual meal that feels like a treat but is also easy to enjoy any night of the week. I find that these subs bring a bit of comfort food joy that always hits the spot, especially after a long day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: Using both beef and pork gives the meatballs juicy flavor and tender texture. If you want, you can swap pork for all beef or even turkey for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs & Parmesan: Breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs moist and tender. Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce is key. Store-bought works well, but homemade adds freshness. You can also try spicy arrabbiata sauce if you like a kick.
Sub Rolls: Soft yet sturdy rolls hold all the fillings nicely. You can use hoagie buns or Italian bread if subs aren’t available.
Mozzarella Cheese: This melty, mild cheese is perfect for topping. Provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can be tasty twists.
How Do You Make Perfect, Tender Meatballs?
Making moist meatballs can be tricky, but here’s my method:
- Mix ingredients gently. Overmixing makes meatballs tough.
- Use a blend of beef and pork for juiciness and flavor.
- Add breadcrumbs, parmesan, and egg to bind and keep them tender.
- Shape evenly-sized meatballs so they cook at the same speed.
- Brown the meatballs first to lock in juices, then simmer in sauce to finish cooking and soak up flavor.
Following these tips gives meatballs that are flavorful, tender, and perfect for your subs.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for gently combining meatball ingredients without overmixing.
- Nonstick or cast-iron skillet – great for browning the meatballs evenly and cooking them through.
- Baking sheet – to toast the sub rolls under the broiler without a mess.
- Oven broiler or toaster oven – melts the cheese quickly and gives the rolls a nice toast.
- Tongs or spatula – helpful for turning meatballs carefully without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken to lighten up the meatballs.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the meat mixture for an herbal boost.
- Try provolone or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a different melt and flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the sauce for extra veggies and texture.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Subs:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 sub rolls (about 6 inches each)
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese (or more as desired)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for toasting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to cook the meatballs and simmer in sauce, plus about 5 minutes to toast the rolls and melt the cheese. Overall, about 40 minutes from start to finish for delicious, warm cheesy meatball subs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, put together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand or with a spoon until everything is just combined. Try not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 1/2 inches wide. Make sure they are all similar in size so they cook evenly.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the meatballs carefully and cook, turning them now and then, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through—this will take about 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and keep them warm.
4. Simmer in Sauce:
Pour your marinara sauce into the hot skillet and warm it over low heat. Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and let them simmer for around 10 minutes to soak up the flavors and get nice and juicy.
5. Toast the Rolls:
While the meatballs simmer, preheat your oven’s broiler. Cut the sub rolls lengthwise, brush the inside with olive oil, and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp but watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Assemble the Subs:
Spoon the meatballs and marinara sauce evenly onto each toasted roll. Then, add generous slices of mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Return the loaded subs to the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles nicely. Keep a close eye so the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil over the melted cheese if you like. Serve your cheesy meatball subs right away while everything’s hot and delicious!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or by simmering gently in marinara sauce until heated through before assembling the subs.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a few drops of water to keep the bread from drying out.
Can I Substitute the Bread Used in This Recipe?
Definitely! Hoagie rolls, Italian rolls, or even baguettes work well as alternatives. Just choose a sturdy bread that can hold the saucy meatballs without getting soggy too quickly.
What’s the Best Way to Melt the Cheese Without Burning?
Using the oven broiler is great but watch closely! Keep the subs just a few inches from the broiler element and check every minute to get that bubbly, golden cheese without burning.
