If you’re looking to transform your next party or casual dinner into an Italian-American celebration, these Mini Meatball Subs are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in toasty rolls, bathed in rich marinara, and finished under the broiler with gooey, golden mozzarella—each bite is a warm, melty, cheesy burst of comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in something a little special for yourself, this recipe makes it easy to bring everyone to the table. Mini Meatball Subs offer classic flavors in a fun, hand-held size!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of approachable ingredients, these Mini Meatball Subs come together effortlessly, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—each item plays a critical role in creating unforgettable flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make your subs shine:
- Ground beef or beef/pork blend (1 pound): The foundation of every juicy, flavorful meatball—using a blend ups the richness and tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): These soak up moisture and keep your meatballs soft instead of tough.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, savory notes with real depth come from a little real Parmesan mixed in.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding everything together perfectly.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): A must for that unforgettable aroma and flavor punch in every bite.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): All the classic herbs—oregano, basil, thyme—add instant Italian vibes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the other flavors and seasons the meatballs from the inside out.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and subtle heat.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): Choose your favorite; it will bathe the meatballs and soak into the bread for extra deliciousness.
- Mini sub rolls or slider buns (12): The perfect vessel for serving—look for sturdy buns that won’t get soggy too fast.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts gorgeously, giving you that irresistible cheese pull with every bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A sprinkle at the end gives color and a pop of freshness to finish things off.
How to Make Mini Meatball Subs
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go when your meatballs are formed. In a large bowl, combine your ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a big spoon to gently bring everything together, stopping just when combined—just like grandma always says, don’t overmix! Scoop out chunks and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 24 adorable mini meatballs, perfect for tucking into your subs.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange your meatballs evenly on the tray, giving them just enough space so they’ll brown up nicely. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell amazing and have a gentle, springy feel.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs bake, pour your marinara sauce into a large saucepan and gently heat it over medium. When the meatballs are done, transfer them right into the simmering sauce and give them 5 to 10 minutes to soak up all the tomatoey goodness. This little bath deepens the flavors and keeps the meatballs super moist.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Meatball Subs
If your mini rolls need slicing, cut them open without going all the way through so they’ll cradle the meatballs. Nestle two warm, saucy meatballs into each bun, then spoon a touch more marinara over the top. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and set the filled rolls onto a baking sheet.
Step 5: Broil to Melt the Cheese
Slide the baking sheet under your broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes—watch closely!—until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a little golden at the edges. That finishing touch makes the Mini Meatball Subs look irresistible and taste even better.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like a little color and freshness. Serve the Mini Meatball Subs warm and watch them disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Mini Meatball Subs
Garnishes
Finish your Mini Meatball Subs with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of herbal brightness. If you love cheese, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even red pepper flakes gives a special touch. For a fancier twist, try a drizzle of good olive oil before serving.
Side Dishes
Think of the Mini Meatball Subs as the main act and pair them with sides that complement but don’t overpower. Lightly dressed salads like a crisp Caesar or an Italian chopped salad are always a hit. For something more filling, go with roasted vegetables or classic garlic bread for even more dipping action. And don’t forget a tangy pickle or nice kettle chips to balance out the richness!
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild—set up a build-your-own sub bar at parties with different toppings like sliced peppers, onions, or olives, so everyone can customize their perfect Mini Meatball Subs. Arrange them on a big platter piled high for family style, or nestle each one in a colorful napkin for easy grabbing at game day gatherings. For little ones, stick a decorative toothpick in each sub for a fun (and tidy) appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mini Meatball Subs or just the components, let them cool completely first. Store the unassembled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For already-assembled subs, tightly wrap them so the rolls don’t dry out, and keep refrigerated. They’ll still taste fantastic the next day.
Freezing
Mini Meatball Subs are freezer-friendly, too! The cooked meatballs (without sauce or bread) freeze best. Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zipper bag or freezer-safe container. The sauce can go in a separate container—both keep well for up to three months. That means you’re never far from an impromptu sandwich night!
Reheating
To reheat, warm meatballs in marinara gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. If you’re reheating assembled subs, wrap them loosely in foil and warm in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. This keeps the buns soft but not soggy, with all that melty cheese right on top.
FAQs
Can I use different meats for the mini meatballs?
Absolutely! While beef or a beef/pork blend is classic, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Just keep the rest of the ratios the same for best results.
What’s the best bread to use for Mini Meatball Subs?
Sturdy, slightly chewy mini sub rolls or slider buns work best. Look for rolls that won’t fall apart with the sauce, and give them a light toasting if you like a little crunch.
Can I make Mini Meatball Subs ahead for a party?
You sure can! Make and bake the meatballs ahead, then refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready to assemble the Mini Meatball Subs, simply reheat the meatballs in marinara and continue with the recipe—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
What’s the easiest way to keep the cheese gooey when serving?
To keep the mozzarella melty and irresistible, broil the filled Mini Meatball Subs just before serving and cover them with a clean towel or foil until ready to eat. If you’re serving a crowd, you can keep them warm in a low oven.
Are there gluten-free options?
You can swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, and look for gluten-free slider rolls or buns. Most jarred marinara sauces are gluten-free, but double-check the label to be sure. Everyone should get to enjoy these Mini Meatball Subs!
Final Thoughts
Mini Meatball Subs are the kind of crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style—juicy meatballs, zesty sauce, and bubbling cheese packed into perfectly-sized rolls. There’s something special about gathering around a tray of these, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, game day, or just-because. Try them and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Mini Meatball Subs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini subs
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Meatball Subs are perfect for parties or as a delicious appetizer. Juicy meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served in mini sub rolls – a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or beef/pork blend
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 mini sub rolls or slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form small meatballs and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Simmer in Sauce: Warm marinara sauce in a pan, add cooked meatballs, and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Assemble: Slice rolls, place meatballs inside, top with sauce and mozzarella. Broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead and freeze meatballs for convenience.
- Store-bought meatballs can be used as a time-saver.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sub
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
