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Italian Meatball Subs Recipe


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4 from 35 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

Italian Meatball Subs are a hearty and satisfying sandwich featuring juicy, seasoned meatballs baked to perfection, then simmered in rich marinara sauce and nestled inside toasted hoagie rolls. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and optional fresh herbs, these subs are perfect for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comforting, flavorful food.


Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork blend)
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Subs

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 46 hoagie rolls
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, optional


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the meatballs.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
  5. Warm the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
  6. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs into the simmering marinara sauce and cook together for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the meatballs to soak up some sauce.
  7. Toast the Hoagie Rolls: Split the rolls and toast them lightly if desired, either under the broiler for a minute or in a toaster, to add a bit of crunch and warmth.
  8. Assemble the Subs: Fill each toasted hoagie roll with meatballs and generous spoonfuls of marinara sauce.
  9. Add Cheese and Broil: Top the meatballs with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top, then serve the hot Italian Meatball Subs immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • Use either homemade marinara sauce or your favorite store-bought brand for convenience.
  • For extra flavor, add slices of provolone cheese along with the mozzarella before broiling.
  • Meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen; thaw before simmering in sauce.
  • These subs pair wonderfully with potato chips, side salads, or French fries for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American