Name: Classic Meatball Sub Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 4 hoagie rolls; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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A classic meatball sub sandwich features tender, juicy meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, loaded into a toasted hoagie roll, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, hearty sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with flavor from homemade or store-bought marinara
Perfectly seasoned meatballs that are tender and juicy
Melted cheese and toasted bread for maximum comfort
Easy to make ahead or freeze for later
Great for feeding a crowd or satisfying a hearty appetite

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic, minced
Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil (for browning)

For the sandwich:

Hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
Additional Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Roll into small meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
Once browned, add marinara sauce and simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
While meatballs are simmering, slice hoagie rolls lengthwise and toast lightly under the broiler.
Place 3–4 meatballs into each roll, spoon sauce over the top, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Return to the broiler briefly to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 sandwiches
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Spicy meatball sub: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or meat mixture.
Cheese-stuffed meatballs: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.
Turkey version: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Meatless option: Use plant-based meatballs and vegan cheese.
Garlic bread sub: Brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting for added flavor.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Store meatballs and sauce separately from the bread in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat meatballs in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Toast bread and assemble sandwiches just before serving.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes. Bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked, then simmer in sauce.

What type of bread is best for a meatball sub?

Soft, sturdy rolls like hoagie buns, Italian sandwich rolls, or ciabatta work well.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can prep the components, but assemble the sandwich just before serving to avoid soggy bread.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, store-bought frozen meatballs are a convenient option. Simmer them in sauce until heated through.

What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is traditional, but provolone or a blend with cheddar works well too.

Is it better to simmer the meatballs in the sauce or serve separately?

Simmering in sauce infuses flavor and keeps the meatballs moist.

Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your marinara and bread are also gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sandwich from falling apart?

Don’t overload the bun, and toast it lightly to keep it sturdy.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara?

Fresh tomatoes can be used to make a quick sauce, but for convenience, marinara is recommended.

Are there vegetarian meatball alternatives that work?

Yes, many store-bought plant-based meatballs or homemade lentil/mushroom versions work well.

Conclusion

A meatball sub sandwich is the epitome of comfort food — warm, cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying. Whether made from scratch or with shortcuts, it’s a timeless recipe that delivers every time. Let me know when you’re ready for the final recipe.

Classic Meatball Sub Sandwich

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The Classic Meatball Sub Sandwich is a hearty, satisfying sandwich featuring tender meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, all tucked into a toasted hoagie roll.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Broiling
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
Form into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until cooked through.
While meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavor.
Split hoagie rolls and lightly toast them under a broiler or in a skillet with olive oil, if desired.
Place meatballs and sauce into each roll, then top with shredded mozzarella.
Place assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side if desired.