Cheesy Meatball Subs are a classic comfort food that’s hard to resist. Imagine juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce, all tucked inside a soft toasted sub roll and topped with lots of melted gooey cheese. It’s a hearty sandwich that hits all the right spots, especially if you love a good mix of meaty and cheesy goodness.
I love making these because they bring back memories of family dinners and casual get-togethers where everyone ends up with sauce on their hands and big smiles on their faces. One tip I always follow is to toast the rolls just enough so they get a little crispy on the edges but still soft inside — it makes the whole sandwich even better. And when the cheese melts just perfectly over those meatballs, well, that’s my happy place.
These subs are great for a simple weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd, and I like to serve them with a side of crunchy pickles or a fresh green salad to balance out all the richness. I bet once you try them, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds, just like I always do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using a mix of beef and pork adds extra flavor and moisture, but all beef works great too. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken.
Breadcrumbs: They help keep meatballs tender. If you want gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice sharp taste. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or skip it if needed.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a good quality jarred sauce or homemade. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes to your sauce.
Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella melt beautifully and taste mild. Try provolone for a bit more flavor or mozzarella for a classic cheesy pull.
Sub Rolls: Soft, yet sturdy rolls are best. Italian hoagie or baguette-style work well. If you can’t find them, a sturdy sandwich roll or even a pita can do in a pinch.
How Do I Get Perfectly Tender, Juicy Meatballs Every Time?
The key is to mix ingredients gently. Overmixing can make meatballs dense and tough. Follow these easy steps:
- Combine meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, cheese, and seasonings with your hands just until mixed.
- Shape evenly sized meatballs, about golf ball size, for even cooking.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F) instead of frying to keep meatballs tender without drying.
- Simmer finished meatballs gently in marinara for 5 mins to soak up juicy flavors.
This method makes meatballs juicy, flavorful, and perfect for your cheesy subs every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking meatballs evenly without mess.
- Mixing bowl – to combine meatball ingredients gently and easily.
- Large skillet – for warming and simmering meatballs in marinara sauce.
- Knife and cutting board – handy for slicing sub rolls smoothly.
- Broiler-safe baking dish or sheet – to melt cheese on top of the subs.
- Basting brush – great for brushing olive oil or butter on rolls for toasting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter sandwich option.
- Mix in Italian sausage with beef for a spicier, richer meatball flavor.
- Add sautéed peppers and onions inside the sub for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Use mozzarella with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a cheesier, nuttier taste.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
- Olive oil or butter for toasting rolls
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake the meatballs, plus 5 minutes to simmer in the sauce and a few extra minutes to toast and assemble the subs. In total, plan for about 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 12-16 in total, depending on size.
2. Bake the Meatballs:
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through.
3. Warm the Sauce and Simmer Meatballs:
While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. When the meatballs are ready, carefully transfer them into the skillet and coat them with sauce. Let meatballs simmer gently for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Prepare and Toast the Rolls:
Slice each sub roll lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through to keep the sandwich stable. Brush the inside of the rolls lightly with olive oil or butter. Toast them in a skillet or oven until they’re golden and slightly crispy.
5. Assemble and Melt the Cheese:
Place 3-4 meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra marinara sauce over them. Top each meatball with two slices of cheese or a generous handful of shredded cheese. Arrange the subs on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the subs from the oven, sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and serve immediately while warm and gooey. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Meatball Subs!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or quickly in cold water, then warm them in marinara sauce before assembling the subs.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Meatball Subs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead, then assemble and broil the subs just before serving for fresh, melty cheese.
What Are Some Good Bread Substitutes?
If you can’t find sub rolls, try hoagie rolls, baguettes, or sturdy sandwich rolls. Even pita bread or ciabatta can work well for holding all that cheesy goodness.
