Meatball sub sandwiches are a classic Italian-American favorite that combines savory meatballs with a tangy marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. These sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing option for feeding a group or just enjoying a hearty, comforting meal at home. Whether you use beef, chicken, or a combination of both, the meatballs are flavorful and tender, while the melted mozzarella cheese adds that extra layer of richness.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making both beef and chicken meatballs, preparing a simple marinara sauce, and assembling the subs for a truly delicious sandwich experience. Let’s dive into how to make these mouth-watering meatball subs.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs (Beef or Chicken):
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for moisture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups homemade marinara sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For Assembling the Subs:
- 4 soft sub rolls (Italian or hoagie rolls work well)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone cheese, for a different flavor)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or chicken) with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Add the milk, if using, to help keep the meatballs moist.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. You should get about 12-14 meatballs depending on size.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the marinara sauce.
- Remove and set aside: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Season the sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Return the meatballs to the sauce: Once the sauce has simmered, gently return the browned meatballs to the skillet, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through and tender. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Meatball Subs
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer a soft sandwich, you can skip this step, but if you like a toasted bun, the oven will help achieve that.
- Prepare the rolls: Slice your sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket for the meatballs. If you prefer toasted rolls, place the split rolls in the oven for 5-7 minutes, just until they’re slightly crispy on the edges.
- Add the meatballs: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce into each roll. Place 3-4 meatballs in each roll, depending on their size. Make sure to spoon some extra sauce on top of the meatballs to keep them moist.
- Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce. If you like a gooey, melty cheese layer, feel free to add extra cheese.
- Bake the subs: Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can broil the subs for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted and the subs are golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added freshness.
- Serve hot: Serve the meatball subs immediately while they’re warm and cheesy. Pair with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Meatball Sub Sandwiches:
- Make your own marinara sauce: If you have the time, making your own marinara sauce from scratch will elevate this dish to the next level. You can add extra herbs like fresh basil, garlic, and even red wine for depth of flavor.
- Use a mix of meats: If you like, you can use a combination of beef and pork for the meatballs. This mix will add more richness and flavor to the meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken is a lighter option, but beef tends to produce juicier meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs ahead of time: If you’re short on time, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. After baking, simply simmer them in the marinara sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Customizing the fillings: Feel free to add extra fillings to your subs, like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. These will enhance the flavor and make the sandwich even more satisfying.
- Make it spicier: For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or top the subs with fresh jalapeños.
- Meal prep: You can make the meatballs and marinara sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply heat them up and assemble the subs when ready to serve.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegetarian Meatballs: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can make meatballs from lentils, beans, or a store-bought meat substitute. You can also experiment with adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese options: If you prefer a different type of cheese, try provolone, mozzarella, or even a combination of both for a stretchier, gooier filling. A little grated Parmesan can also be sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
- Make a baked version: Instead of assembling the subs with the sauce and cheese and then baking them, you can also bake the meatballs and sauce in a baking dish and then serve the meatballs directly from the dish with the sauce on top. This is a great way to serve the dish family-style.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side dishes: Serve your meatball subs with crispy French fries, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully with this dish, as it complements the rich marinara sauce.
- Pairing drinks: A cold beer or a glass of red wine pairs well with these meatball subs. Try a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the rich, savory flavors of the beef and marinara sauce.
Conclusion:
Meatball Sub Sandwiches are the perfect combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a soft, toasted roll. Whether you opt for beef, chicken, or a combination of meats, these sandwiches are a hearty and satisfying meal that will please any crowd. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich, comforting flavors makes this dish a go-to for busy weeknights or a fun weekend treat. Enjoy every bite of this classic, cheesy, and flavorful sandwich!