How This Meatball Sub Became My Weeknight Hero
Some dinners just feel like a hug, and this Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is one of them. I remember the first time I made it it was a busy Wednesday night, and I needed something quick, hearty, and satisfying. I had leftover meatballs from Sunday pasta, a few sandwich rolls, and some mozzarella cheese waiting in the fridge. Fifteen minutes later, I pulled out golden, cheesy subs from the oven that had everyone running to the kitchen.
The sauce was bubbling, the cheese perfectly melted, and the smell of garlic and toasted bread filled my home. That’s when this sandwich became one of my go-to easy meals a little messy, incredibly comforting, and loved by everyone.
Print
Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick, cheesy, and satisfying meatball sub layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, marinara sauce, sub rolls, mozzarella, butter, garlic powder, parsley.
Instructions
Mix and bake meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes. Warm sauce and toss meatballs in it. Toast rolls with garlic butter, fill with saucy meatballs, top with cheese, and bake until melted. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
Make it in a slow cooker, turn it into a casserole, or use turkey meatballs for a lighter version. Serve with a salad or roasted veggies for balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 580
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich
You’ll love this meatball sub because it’s simple to make, tastes amazing, and turns humble ingredients into something that feels indulgent. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought meatballs, this recipe transforms them into the kind of sandwich that feels like it came straight from your favorite deli.
It’s also endlessly versatile. You can make it as meatball subs crockpot style for slow-cooked flavor, turn it into a meatball sub casserole for family gatherings, or use leftovers for next-day lunches.
When I want another easy weeknight meal that’s equally satisfying, I reach for my BBQ Chicken Flatbread. It’s quick, flavorful, and always a hit.
Gathering Everything You Need
For the Meatballs
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Assembly
• 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 4 hoagie or sub rolls
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How I Make It
I start by mixing the meatball ingredients together in a large bowl, rolling them into small, bite-sized balls, and baking them at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. If I’m in a hurry, I use pre-made meatballs it makes dinner even faster.
While the meatballs bake, I warm the marinara sauce in a skillet. Once the meatballs are done, I toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. The smell of simmering tomato sauce mixed with garlic and herbs always reminds me why I love simple Italian-inspired meals.
Next, I slice open the sub rolls and brush the insides with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. I toast them lightly in the oven until just golden. Then I spoon the saucy meatballs into the rolls, sprinkle mozzarella over the top, and return them to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Related Recipes
When I pull them out, I add a sprinkle of parsley and a few extra spoonfuls of sauce. They’re messy, melty, and absolutely irresistible. If I want to stretch dinner even further, I’ll serve the subs alongside my One-Pot Pizza Pasta for a fun Italian-inspired combo.
My Favorite Twists for Every Mood
This meatball sandwich recipe is endlessly adaptable, and here are a few ways I love to switch it up:
• Crockpot Version: Combine cooked meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours, then assemble subs right before serving.
• Meatball Sub Casserole: Layer toasted bread, saucy meatballs, and cheese in a baking dish, then bake at 375°F until bubbly.
• Healthier Option: Use turkey meatballs and whole grain rolls for a lighter twist that still feels indulgent.
• Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a more decadent melt.
• Spicy Kick: Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a bold bite.
And if you’re planning dessert afterward, my cookie recipes are always the perfect sweet finish to a hearty sandwich night.
A Few Thoughts Before You Dig In
This meatball sub recipe is everything a weeknight dinner should be quick, hearty, and full of comfort. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, but it feels special every time.
The combination of savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and toasted bread never gets old. It’s a family favorite, a crowd-pleaser, and the kind of sandwich that makes busy nights feel a little more delicious.
For another bold, saucy meal, I also love making my Easy Oven Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs. It’s smoky, sweet, and perfect for weekends when you have a little extra time.
