Name: Meatball Subs Recipe: Juicy and Cheesy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef + ½ lb pork; ½ cup panko; 1 egg; Marinara sauce; Mozzarella; Hoagie rolls; Butter + garlic powder; Optional: Basil; Suggested Pairings: Salad (chips)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Meatball Subs are juicy, cheesy sandwiches loaded with tender homemade (or frozen) meatballs simmered in marinara and smothered with melted mozzarella. They’re perfect for game day, quick weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd. Presented open-faced on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, these Meatball Subs offer a saucy, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple stovetop + oven method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to sandwich that brings hearty, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs (makes ~20):

1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
½ lb ground pork (or all beef)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Subs:

4–6 hoagie rolls or soft Italian rolls
2–3 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella (or provolone)
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp garlic powder
Optional: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan

Serving:

Optional: pickle spears, chips
Suggested Pairings: Caesar salad, coleslaw
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter

Step-by-Step Process

Make Meatball Mixture — In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently with hands—don’t overwork or the meatballs get tough.
Shape Meatballs — Roll into 1½–2 inch balls (golf ball size). Place on a lined baking sheet.
Brown Meatballs (Optional but recommended) — Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (3–4 minutes total). They don’t need to cook through—they’ll finish in sauce.
Simmer in Sauce — Pour marinara into the same skillet (or a pot). Nestle meatballs in sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes until meatballs reach 165°F internally.
Prep Rolls — While meatballs simmer, slice rolls lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through). Mix softened butter with garlic powder; spread inside rolls.
Assemble Subs — Place 4–5 meatballs + plenty of sauce in each roll. Top generously with shredded mozzarella.
Melt Cheese — Option 1: Place subs on a baking sheet and broil 2–4 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden (watch closely!).
Option 2: Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Serve — Transfer to a white ceramic platter. Garnish with torn basil and red pepper flakes.

Tips for Better Meatball Subs

Brown meatballs first—extra flavor and texture
Use a mix of beef + pork—juicier, more authentic
Simmer in sauce—keeps them tender and infuses flavor
Don’t skimp on cheese—full coverage is key
Present open-faced on a white ceramic platter to show off the melty goodness
Use frozen meatballs + jarred sauce for a 20-minute version
Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce up to 3 months

Variations and Customization

Cheesesteak-Style → Add sautéed peppers and onions.
Buffalo Meatball Subs → Toss meatballs in buffalo sauce + ranch.
Turkey Meatballs → Use ground turkey + extra seasoning.
Vegetarian → Use plant-based meatballs.
Spicy → Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Parmesan Subs → Mix Parmesan into the cheese topping.
Mini Sliders → Use dinner rolls for party-sized subs.
Low-Carb → Serve meatballs + sauce in lettuce wraps or over zucchini noodles.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftover meatballs + sauce in fridge up to 4 days.
Reheat meatballs in sauce on the stovetop; assemble fresh subs.
Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce up to 3 months.
Serve hot and gooey—cheese must be melted!
Pair with cold beer or iced tea.
Present on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for classic, diner-style charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 subs:

Calories: 680 kcal
Total Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 1280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 40g

Note: Values with beef/pork meatballs (turkey or veggie versions, lower fat).

Conclusion

These Meatball Subs deliver juicy, saucy, cheesy perfection in every bite. They transform simple meatballs into the ultimate comfort sandwich. Their simmer-and-broil method and melty presentation make them a game-day legend. Every fork-and-knife bite (because they’re messy!) delights the soul. They’re sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for their hearty, crowd-pleasing charm.