Meatball Sub Sandwiches – Family Style is the ultimate comfort food that brings the family together! This dish features juicy meatballs nestled in a warm, toasted sub roll, topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun weekend gathering!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- How to Make Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Tips for Making Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Reheating Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Meatball Sub Sandwiches related recipes next!
- Italian Meatball Pasta
- Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Slow Cooker Meatballs
- Classic Cheeseburger Sub
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Meal. These meatball subs are a hit with kids and adults alike! They’re easy to eat, flavorful, and packed with goodness, making them a perfect choice for family dinners.
- Quick and Easy. This recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward to make. With simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
- Endless Customization. You can customize your meatball subs with different toppings, sauces, or cheeses to suit your family’s preferences. Make each sub unique!
Ingredients for Meatball Sub Sandwiches
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground Beef: The base of your meatballs, providing rich flavor and protein. You can also use a mix of pork and beef or ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps to hold the meatballs together while providing a nice texture. Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatballs together and adds moisture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the meatballs. Freshly grated cheese gives the best results!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavors to your dish; feel free to substitute with oregano, basil, or thyme.
- Marinara Sauce: The perfect topping for your meatballs and sandwiches; it adds moisture and enhances flavors.
- Sub Rolls: Choose fresh, soft sub rolls that hold the meatballs and sauce well. You can toast them for extra texture!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, creating a delightful cheesy layer on your sub.
How to Make Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly blended.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, add them to the marinara sauce and coat them well.
- Split the sub rolls and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the meatball and sauce mixture into each roll and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meatball subs!
Tips for Making Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Keep the Meatballs Juicy: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; handle it gently to keep them tender.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing mozzarella with provolone or using a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Customize Your Sauce: For added depth, you can mix your marinara sauce with some pesto or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Cooked meatballs can also be frozen in marinara sauce and reheated when needed for an easy meal.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatball subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, it’s best to store the meatballs and rolls separately.
Freezing Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Assemble the meatball subs and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To freeze meatballs and sauce separately, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container with sauce on top.
Reheating Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- For reheating frozen subs, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling.
- Reheat meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, then assemble in fresh rolls if desired.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and is a healthier alternative. Just be aware that the meatballs may be lighter in flavor.
How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure that your meatball mixture is well combined but not overworked. Adding breadcrumbs and egg helps bind them together.
Can I make these subs in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge before assembling and baking.
What toppings can I add to my meatball subs?
Try adding sautéed peppers and onions, jalapeños, or fresh basil for an extra flavor boost!
How can I make my meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the marinara sauce for any gluten-containing ingredients. Alternatively, you can make your own sauce!
