Description
Delicious and hearty Meatball Subs featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese on soft hoagie rolls. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this classic Italian-American recipe combines flavorful ground beef and pork meatballs with aromatic herbs and cheese for a satisfying, comforting sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Assembly
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4–6 hoagie rolls or sub buns
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, making approximately 18 to 20 pieces.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Simmer in marinara sauce: Return all the browned meatballs to the skillet and pour in the marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Prepare the subs: Preheat your broiler. Slice the hoagie rolls open and fill each with 3 to 4 meatballs along with a generous spoonful of the marinara sauce.
- Add cheese and broil: Top the meatballs in each sandwich with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, enjoying the classic combination of savory meatballs, rich sauce, and gooey cheese.
Notes
- Use store-bought meatballs and marinara sauce for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Add sautéed peppers or onions to the meatball mixture or as a topping for extra depth of flavor.
- Make smaller versions with slider buns for party appetizers or kid-friendly portions.
- Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Watch the subs carefully under the broiler to avoid burning the cheese.
