Cheesy Meatball Subs (Printable)
Toasted sub rolls filled with savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and bubbling mozzarella for a comforting sandwich.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
→ Tomato Sauce
10 - 2 cups marinara sauce
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
→ Assembly
15 - 4 sub rolls (about 8 inches each)
16 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - 2 tbsp softened butter, optional, for toasting
18 - Fresh basil leaves, optional garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Position the oven rack so the broiler can reach the tops of the subs later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape the mixture into 12 uniform meatballs.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally for even color. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir in the dried basil. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the browned meatballs to the pan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
06 - Slice each sub roll open lengthwise, leaving one side attached as a hinge. Optionally brush the cut sides with softened butter. Place rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
07 - Place 3 meatballs inside each toasted sub roll and spoon sauce generously over the top. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over each sandwich.
08 - Return the assembled subs to the baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the mozzarella is fully melted and bubbling with golden spots.
09 - Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The meatballs cook right in the sauce, so they soak up every bit of flavor while staying incredibly tender inside.
- Broiling the cheese until it bubbles and browns creates that golden crust that makes every bite feel like a reward.
- It comes together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
02 -
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture or they will turn out tough and rubbery, a light hand is the single most important thing you can do.
- Watch the broiler like a hawk during the final step because cheese goes from perfectly golden to charred in what feels like seconds.
03 -
- Toasting the cut sides of the rolls before adding filling creates a crispy barrier that keeps the bread from dissolving into the sauce before you finish eating.
- Shred your own mozzarella from a block instead of buying pre shredded, the anti caking agents on bagged cheese prevent it from melting as smoothly.