Description
This Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs recipe combines juicy homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, nestled inside toasted hoagie rolls, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, provolone, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal, these subs are flavorful, comforting, and sure to satisfy any sandwich craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce and Assembly
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for toasting rolls)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Then, shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cook the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes until they turn a nice brown color and are cooked through. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, turning them carefully to brown all sides thoroughly.
- Simmer in marinara: While the meatballs are cooking, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them into the simmering marinara sauce and let them simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
- Prepare the rolls: Split the hoagie or sub rolls open lengthwise without cutting all the way through to keep them hinged. If desired, brush the insides with butter and place them in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes to toast lightly until crisp but still soft inside.
- Assemble the subs: Spoon several meatballs along with sauce into each prepared roll. Top each with shredded mozzarella and a slice of provolone cheese, if using. Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops some golden spots.
- Finish and serve: Remove the subs from the oven, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot alongside your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For juicier meatballs, you can add a splash of milk or finely grated Parmesan into the meat mixture.
- Using a mix of beef and pork enhances flavor and tenderness.
- You may substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like oregano and basil.
- Broiling the sandwiches requires careful attention to prevent burning the cheese.
- These subs can be made ahead; keep meatballs and sauce separate until ready to assemble and broil.
