Meatball Subs with Marinara

Meatball subs with marinara always take me back to a game day afternoon when I wanted to surprise my friends with something hearty and fun and I remember shaping the meatballs while the kitchen was buzzing with excitement and the smell of marinara sauce simmering on the stove made everyone gather around asking for a taste and once the subs were assembled with gooey melted cheese and fresh herbs they disappeared almost instantly. That day felt like the perfect combination of good food, good company, and pure joy.

I love making meatball subs with marinara because they feel like the ultimate comfort food and every bite is packed with juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese tucked into a soft, warm roll and it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone’s eyes light up when they see it on the table. Whether it’s for a casual dinner, a party, or just a weekend treat, these subs always bring big smiles and happy appetites.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – The main protein that gives the meatballs their rich, savory taste.
• Breadcrumbs – Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, cheesy depth to the meatballs.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together for perfect meatballs.
• Garlic – Brings a bold, aromatic kick to the mix.
• Fresh parsley – Adds color and freshness to the meatballs.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for balanced seasoning.
• Marinara sauce – The savory, tangy sauce that coats the meatballs beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts into a gooey, delicious blanket on top.
• Hoagie rolls – Soft, sturdy rolls that hold all the fillings perfectly.
• Olive oil – For browning the meatballs and adding extra flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – I use this to combine all the meatball ingredients evenly.
• Baking sheet – Useful if you want to bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying.
• Large skillet – To brown the meatballs and simmer them in sauce.
• Tongs – Perfect for turning the meatballs and assembling the subs.
• Spoon – Helps spread the sauce and cheese evenly.
• Baking dish – To finish melting the cheese in the oven.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by preheating my oven to 400°F if I plan to finish melting the cheese in the oven.

Step 2

In a large bowl, I mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.

Step 3

I shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about the size of golf balls.

Step 4

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they’re nicely golden.

Step 5

Then I pour in the marinara sauce and let the meatballs simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until cooked through and coated in sauce.

Step 6

I split the hoagie rolls and lightly toast them if I want extra sturdiness.

Step 7

I place a few meatballs into each roll, spoon extra marinara over them, and top generously with mozzarella.

Step 8

If I want super melty, bubbly cheese, I place the assembled subs in a baking dish and bake for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 9

I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Tips

If you want extra flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or the marinara sauce. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a lighter or richer taste. And if you love cheese, don’t be shy add some extra Parmesan on top before baking for an even cheesier finish!

Ways to Serve

I love serving meatball subs with marinara alongside a crisp green salad or some homemade potato chips for a fun, casual meal. They’re also great cut into smaller pieces and served as party sliders. If you want to go all out, pair them with a cold beer or a sparkling soda for the ultimate game day treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make meatball subs with marinara ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and assemble the subs just before serving.

Can I freeze meatball subs with marinara?

You can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce separately. Just reheat and assemble fresh rolls when ready to enjoy.

Can I make meatball subs with marinara vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap in plant-based meatballs and use a veggie marinara sauce for a delicious meat-free option.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these meatball subs with marinara a try! They’re the ultimate comfort sandwich, and I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Please leave a comment or share a photo so I can see your delicious creation! And if you love this recipe, save it for your next cozy dinner or party spread.

Happy Cooking!

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