Cheesy Meatball Subs (Printable Version)
Savory meatballs in marinara with melted mozzarella on crusty toasted rolls
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)
02 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Sauce
10 - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
→ Subs
11 - 4 sub rolls or hoagie rolls
12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 2 tbsp butter, softened
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for garlic butter)
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
03 - Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, approximately 5–7 minutes total.
05 - Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, submerging the meatballs. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through.
06 - Combine softened butter with minced garlic. Slice the sub rolls open and lightly spread the inside with garlic butter. Toast on a baking sheet in the oven for 2–3 minutes until golden.
07 - Place 3 meatballs and a generous spoonful of sauce into each toasted roll. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 - Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
09 - Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These subs taste like something from an Italian deli but come together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have.
- The garlic butter on the rolls is a small step that transforms the entire sandwich into something unforgettable.
02 -
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture or they will become tough and rubbery instead of tender and juicy.
- Letting the meatballs brown properly before adding the sauce creates a crust that locks in moisture and adds deep flavor you cannot get any other way.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly with cold water before rolling meatballs and the mixture will not stick to your palms nearly as much.
- Broil the subs for the last 60 seconds instead of baking if you want those gorgeous browned cheese spots that make everyone reach for their phone to take a photo.