Italian Meatball Subs

Italian Meatball Subs are a fantastic treat that you can whip up at home. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasty sub filled with juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled inside a freshly baked roll. It’s comfort food at its finest! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to satisfy a craving, these subs hit the spot every time. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make—who doesn’t love that? You get to channel your inner Italian chef while creating a dish that’s perfect for dinner or even a game-day snack. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create something delicious that everyone will love. Let’s get started on this delightful journey with Italian Meatball Subs!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatball Subs
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Meatball Mixture
• Mix the Ingredients
• Shaping the Meatballs
• Form the Meatballs
• Browning the Meatballs
• Brown the Meatballs
• Simmering in Marinara
• Cook in Marinara Sauce
• Toasting the Bread
• Prepare the Sub Rolls
• Assembling the Subs
• Layer the Ingredients
• Garnishing and Serving
• Add Finishing Touches
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

Crafting the perfect Italian meatball sub is all about balance: juicy meatballs, a zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in freshly toasted bread. The combination of high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation ensures every bite is packed with flavor and authenticity. The meatballs become tender and flavorful, thanks to the right seasoning and careful cooking. Meanwhile, the marinara sauce envelops the meatballs, adding layers of depth, while the cheese melts to perfection. Each bite invites you into a delicious symphony of tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Meatball Subs

This Italian Meatball Sub recipe not only satisfies cravings but takes you on a flavor journey to Italy with every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into that warm bread, feeling the comforting textures and flavors mix together. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these subs deliver warmth, nostalgia, and deliciousness. They bring friends and family together around the dinner table, creating moments that you and your loved ones will remember fondly. There’s a special joy in sharing a homemade meal, and these subs offer just that!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef (preferably 80/20 for optimal juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 large Egg
• 3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 3/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (high-quality)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley (diced)
• 24-32 ounces Marinara Sauce
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (or more to taste)
• 4 Slices French Bread or Sub Rolls
• Butter for toasting

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, panko breadcrumbs, diced parsley, egg, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Using your hands, mix until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. When mixing, think of it as a friendly hug for the ingredients, gently bringing them together. This way, your meatballs turn out tender, not tough.

Shaping the Meatballs

Form the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part! Roll the meat mixture into large meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter, depending on your size preference. Try to keep them uniform, so they cook evenly. As you work, you might find a few meatballs go missing—what can I say; they’re pretty irresistible!

Browning the Meatballs

Brown the Meatballs

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them halfway through to achieve a golden-brown color on all sides. Browning adds a delicious crust that locks in all the flavors and keeps your meatballs juicy. The sizzling sound will make your kitchen smell heavenly!

Simmering in Marinara

Cook in Marinara Sauce

When the meatballs are browned, add them to a large pot of simmering marinara sauce. Let them cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and infused with sauce. It’s like a flavor bath for your meatballs. Each bite you take later will be bursting with rich, cheesy goodness and the warmth of marinara sauce.

Toasting the Bread

Prepare the Sub Rolls

While the meatballs simmer, preheat your oven to broil. Slice the French bread or sub rolls in half without cutting all the way through. Spread butter generously on both sides and broil until the butter is melted and the bread is lightly toasted. Toasting gives your subs a lovely crunch, which works so well against the soft, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.

Assembling the Subs

Layer the Ingredients

Now it’s time to assemble! Place the cooked meatballs and marinara sauce onto the toasted bread. Generously sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. This is the moment to be a bit indulgent—after all, gooey cheese makes everything better. Return to the oven and broil for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted. The sight of bubbling cheese is incredibly rewarding!

Garnishing and Serving

Add Finishing Touches

Top with freshly chopped Italian parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The contrast of the rich, warm flavors with the fresh parsley creates a beautiful presentation. Everyone will be anxious to dig in!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Italian meatball subs with a simple side salad or crispy potato wedges for a complete meal that satisfies any appetite. A light salad adds a fresh crunch, while crispy wedges provide that satisfying comfort. Feel free to get creative and choose sides that you love!

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor—especially for the herbs and marinara.
• Don’t skip on browning the meatballs; this step adds a depth of flavor.
• Adjust the amount of mozzarella cheese based on your cheese-loving preferences.

Variations

Feel free to add some heat with crushed red pepper inside the meatball mixture or top with marinated Italian peppers for a spicy kick. If you like experimenting, why not try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option? There are endless possibilities to tailor these subs to your taste!

Storage Tips

Store leftover meatball subs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or microwave for a quick meal. The flavors continue to develop, making your leftovers just as enticing as the first servings.

Pairing Ideas

These meatball subs pair beautifully with a cold Italian beer or a glass of red wine. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing. Think of your drink choice as an accessory to your meal; it elevates the overall experience!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used as a quick alternative. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the sauce.

2. Is it possible to make these meatball subs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

3. What type of marinara sauce is best?
Using a high-quality, flavorful marinara sauce will enhance the overall taste. You can make your own for a fresher option.

4. Can I make these meatball subs gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free rolls.

5. How can I make these meatball subs spicier?
Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture or add sliced jalapeños to the subs before serving for an extra kick.

This Italian Meatball Sub recipe is sure to become a household favorite. With juicy and flavorful meatballs, rich marinara, and melted cheese on crusty bread, it’s a meal that embodies comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or a cozy evening in, these subs are a delightful treat that brings everyone together at the table. Enjoy the process and the delicious rewards that come with making this hearty sandwich!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Butter Stuffed Dates
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken
• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Garlic Butter Salmon

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print