There’s something about biting into a Classic Meatball Sub that immediately transports you to a place of comfort and satisfaction. The toasted sub roll crackles slightly under your teeth, giving way to tender meatballs swimming in rich marinara sauce. The mozzarella cheese, melted to gooey perfection, pulls softly with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels both simple and indulgent, perfect for slowing down and savoring.
One evening last week, as the sky turned dusky pink, I pulled this sub from the oven. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, inviting me to pause and enjoy the moment. The first bite was a perfect balance of textures and flavors—the crisp roll, the juicy meat, the tangy sauce, and that comforting blanket of melted cheese. It was one of those meals that made me grateful for the simple joys of cooking and eating at home.
- Hearty and satisfying without being complicated
- Warm, comforting flavors that feel like a homemade hug
- Perfectly toasted rolls add a delightful crunch
- Melty mozzarella ties all the flavors together beautifully
- Great for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner
Even if you’re new to making meatball subs, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. The steps come together smoothly, and the results are well worth the effort. You can enjoy it fresh from the oven, savoring every bite as the cheese stretches and the sauce clings lovingly to each meatball.
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Classic Meatball Sub
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
A hearty and delicious Classic Meatball Sub featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served on a toasted sub roll.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
4 sub rolls, split lengthwise
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through.
While the meatballs are simmering, brush the sub rolls with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes until lightly crisp.
Remove the rolls from the oven and spoon 4 meatballs with sauce into each roll.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs in each sub.
Place the assembled subs back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
FAQ
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently before assembling the subs.
What bread works best? A sturdy sub roll is ideal because it holds up to the sauce and fillings without becoming soggy.
Can I use other cheeses? Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a mild cheddar can work well too.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? The meatballs and sauce can be frozen, but the assembled subs are best enjoyed fresh.
Ready to make your own classic meatball sub? Dive into the recipe and treat yourself to a warm, comforting meal that feels like a little celebration every time.