Name: Italian Meatball Subs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 sub rolls (brioche); 2 Tablespoons butter; 1 Teaspoon garlic (freshly minced); ½ Teaspoon dried parsley; Pinch sea salt; ½ pound ground pork; ½ pound ground beef; ½ Teaspoon black pepper; ½ Teaspoon basil; ½ Teaspoon fennel; ½ white onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (crushed); 1 egg; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; 2 cups marinara sauce; 16 slices provolone cheese; Nonstick cooking spray (as needed); Parmesan (freshly grated, for garnish); Basil leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving something warm, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Italian Meatball Subs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in soft, toasted brioche rolls, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted provolone cheese. Each bite is a delicious explosion of savory herbs and creamy cheese that truly celebrates the heart of Italian comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe promises a lovely mix of textures and flavors that everyone will adore.

The image shows close-up views of several meatball sandwiches on shiny, toasted golden brown hoagie rolls. Each sandwich has three round, browned meatballs inside, covered with a chunky red tomato sauce sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. Melted white cheese is layered beneath the meatballs, peeking slightly from the sides. Finely grated white cheese is scattered on top, adding texture and contrast. The sandwiches rest on a white marbled surface with more grated cheese around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Italian Meatball Subs Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients you likely have on hand. Each element plays a big part in achieving that perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma—from the fresh garlic enhancing the buttery rolls to the fragrant fennel in the meatballs.

8 sub rolls (brioche): Soft and slightly sweet rolls that provide the perfect base for the subs.
2 Tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible garlic butter toast on the rolls.
1 Teaspoon garlic (freshly minced): Infuses the butter with a punch of fresh flavor.
½ Teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous note to the garlic butter.
Pinch sea salt: Enhances all other flavors in the garlic butter and meatballs alike.
½ pound ground pork: Gives tenderness and juiciness to the meatballs.
½ pound ground beef: Balances the pork with a hearty, beefy flavor.
½ Teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat inside the meatballs.
½ Teaspoon basil: Delivers that classic Italian herb aroma and taste.
½ Teaspoon fennel: Brings a subtle licorice-like warmth to the meat mixture.
½ white onion (diced): Adds sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.
3 Cloves garlic (crushed): Intensifies the savory flavor in the meatball mix.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
½ Cup Italian breadcrumbs: Helps maintain the meatball’s tender texture.
2 Cups marinara sauce: Coats the meatballs in rich, tangy tomato goodness.
16 Slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs, adding creamy, mild sharpness.
Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking while browning the meatballs.
Parmesan (freshly grated): Sprinkled on top for an extra layer of cheesy flavor.
Basil leaves: Fresh garnish that brightens up the dish with an herbal note.

How to Make Italian Meatball Subs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Garlic Butter

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Then, mix the melted butter with freshly minced garlic, dried parsley, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. This fragrant garlic butter will be spread on the rolls for toasting, adding a golden, flavorful crust to your subs.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and beef with black pepper, basil, fennel, diced onion, crushed garlic, one egg, and Italian breadcrumbs. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon, making sure the herbs and aromatics are evenly distributed for that perfectly seasoned bite.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Use a half-ounce cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform meatballs. This ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely in the sub rolls. Place them all on a tray as you work to keep things organized.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Lightly spray your preheated skillet with nonstick cooking spray and add the meatballs. Brown them evenly on all sides, turning frequently. This step locks in the juices and creates a wonderfully caramelized crust in about five minutes.

Step 5: Simmer in Marinara

Pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer gently for about 15 minutes so the meatballs soak up those rich, tangy tomato flavors and finish cooking beautifully.

Step 6: Toast the Rolls

While the meatballs finish cooking, split the sub rolls and brush the insides and tops with your garlic butter mixture. Place them in the oven and toast for 2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp, enhancing both flavor and texture for your subs.

Step 7: Assemble and Broil

Remove the toasted rolls from the oven, then layer each with two slices of provolone cheese and three meatballs topped with marinara sauce. Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and turn it on high. Broil the subs for 2 minutes, just enough time for the cheese to melt and bubble beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Add a finishing touch with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and some fresh basil leaves. These simple garnishes bring brightness and a sharp, cheesy contrast to the rich meatballs and melty cheese.

How to Serve Italian Meatball Subs Recipe

The image shows a roll of baked bread with a golden brown crust and soft inside. On top are two portions of cooked meat with a textured surface, covered by a bright red tomato sauce. Small pieces of grated white cheese are sprinkled on the meat and around the roll. The bread is placed in a baking tray lined with brown parchment paper, resting on a white marbled surface. The focus is close, showing a small bite taken from the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing these subs with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few bright basil leaves. They add a fresh herbal lift and an extra layer of flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the meat and cheese.

Side Dishes

Pair your Italian Meatball Subs Recipe with crispy garlic fries, a crisp Caesar salad, or even a simple bowl of mixed greens tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. These sides add freshness and crunch to complement the warm, hearty subs.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs separately with small toasted bread slices for a casual party platter, or wrap the subs in parchment paper to make an easy picnic lunch. You could also add sautéed peppers and onions for extra color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover meatballs and marinara can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls separate to avoid sogginess, and toast them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs in marinara in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The rolls are best toasted fresh rather than frozen.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble your subs and place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese and toast the rolls again, recreating that fresh-from-the-kitchen experience.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of a mix of pork and beef?

Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still give you flavorful meatballs, though the mix with pork adds extra juiciness and tenderness. You can adjust based on your preference or what you have available.

What type of marinara sauce is best for this recipe?

Homemade or store-bought marinara both work well. Just choose a sauce that’s flavorful but not overly sweet. A classic, lightly seasoned marinara lets the meatballs shine.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead, then simply reheat them in marinara when you’re ready to assemble the subs. This saves time on busy days while keeping flavors fresh.

What’s the best cheese to use on Italian Meatball Subs?

Provolone is classic for its mild, creamy melting quality, but mozzarella or a mix of the two can also be delicious. The key is to use cheese that melts beautifully over the hot meatballs.

Are these subs suitable for freezing as assembled sandwiches?

It’s best to freeze the meatballs and sauce separately, as freezing assembled subs can cause the bread to become soggy. Toast rolls fresh and assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Meatball Subs Recipe is such a joyful way to bring classic, hearty flavors to your table with ease and warmth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, these subs hit all the right notes with their tender meatballs, savory marinara, and melty cheese. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!