A hearty sandwich packed with juicy homemade meatballs, simmered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—all tucked inside a warm, toasted hoagie roll. This classic meatball sub delivers comfort food perfection, ideal for a satisfying lunch, a casual dinner, or your next game day gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The meatball sub is a timeless favorite that combines all the best elements of Italian-American cuisine. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, the marinara sauce is rich and savory, and the gooey melted mozzarella adds that perfect finishing touch. The toasted hoagie roll holds everything together while adding a bit of crunch. This recipe is easy to make at home, tastes better than takeout, and can be customized to your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sandwich:

• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 hoagie rolls or sub buns
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Olive oil or butter (optional, for toasting buns)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and fully cooked.
5. Meanwhile, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are baked, add them to the sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Lightly toast the hoagie rolls with butter or olive oil in a skillet or under the broiler for added texture and flavor.
7. Spoon 4–5 meatballs with marinara into each toasted roll.
8. Top each sandwich with shredded mozzarella.
9. Optional: Place the filled sandwiches under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 meatball subs.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or use spicy marinara.
• Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheese Options: Use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a richer melt.
• Make It a Casserole: Layer meatballs, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and bake for a meatball sub casserole.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs and marinara for a vegetarian alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm meatballs in sauce over medium heat until hot. Toast the bread and assemble fresh when ready to serve.
Fully assembled sandwiches do not store well due to moisture from the sauce—assemble just before eating.
Meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Do I have to broil the sandwiches?

No, broiling is optional but helps melt the cheese beautifully and adds a delicious toasted finish.

What type of bread is best?

Sturdy rolls like hoagie buns, sub rolls, or ciabatta work best to hold the meatballs and sauce.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, for convenience, you can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs—just heat them in the sauce before assembling.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the roll and draining some sauce from the meatballs before adding helps prevent sogginess.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily to serve more people. Use a larger baking tray for the meatballs.

What side dishes go well with a meatball sub?

Serve with a side salad, chips, fries, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is marinara sauce the same as pizza sauce?

Not exactly. Marinara is thinner and more herbaceous, but pizza sauce can work in a pinch.

Can I use a slow cooker for the meatballs?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker with sauce on low for 4–5 hours after baking or browning them first.

Can I freeze assembled meatball subs?

It’s best to freeze just the meatballs and sauce. Assemble fresh for best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The Classic Meatball Sub with Marinara & Mozzarella is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and heartiness. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a game-day get-together, this sandwich delivers satisfying results every time. Juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—what more could you ask for in a sandwich?

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