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–+ servings
Easy Meatball Sub

Meatball Subs Recipe

Author: Olivia Ross
This hearty and satisfying meatball sub is loaded with juicy beef meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all tucked inside a perfectly toasted garlic butter hoagie roll. It’s comfort food at its finest—easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to please any crowd.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 subs
Calories 681 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meatballs (or use frozen)

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Sandwich

  • 2 cups pasta sauce or marinara sauce
  • 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
  • 4 tablespoons garlic butter or softened butter + garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend mozzarella or provolone work great
  • Optional add-ons sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Meatballs
    If making homemade, mix the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, seasoning, and onion powder in a bowl. Roll into 1-inch balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until fully cooked. If using frozen, follow the package instructions.
  • Simmer in Sauce
    Place the cooked meatballs in a saucepan with your favorite marinara or pasta sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes so they soak up all that flavor.
  • Toast the Rolls
    Slice the hoagie rolls and spread garlic butter inside. Broil them open-faced for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. This step keeps the bread from getting soggy.
  • Assemble the Subs
    Arrange the rolls in a baking dish. Add 3 or 4 meatballs to each roll. Spoon a bit more sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with cheese.
  • Broil and Serve
    Broil the sandwiches again for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side if you like dipping.

Notes

  • Toast First, Always – Garlic-buttered bread that hits the broiler before the sauce goes on stays crisp and holds everything together.
  • Use a Cheese Combo – Mozzarella melts beautifully but adding provolone or parmesan gives more depth and stretch.
  • Simmer Time Matters – Even frozen meatballs benefit from a 10-minute simmer in sauce.
  • Avoid Overstuffing – 3-4 meatballs per sub is the sweet spot.
  • Leftover Hack – Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven for 10 minutes for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 681kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 33gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1609mgPotassium: 645mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1440IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 492mgIron: 12.7mg
Keyword Homemade Meatball Sandwich
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