This meatball sub sandwich is the perfect food for a crowd, bring a few napkins though. They are so easy to make, and the result is a meaty, saucy, and cheese hot sandwich.
This is one of those recipes that you make when you really want to put a frozen pizza in the oven to feed the family because that is all the energy you have. It really is that easy. Let the oven to the work for you while you spend some family time or just relax a moment for yourself.
Make this with frozen meatballs, jarred spaghetti sauce, shredded cheese, and buns. My family loves this and I love how easy this is.
Meatball Sub Sandwich Using Frozen Meatballs
No need to spend hours on a recipe. Prep this in minutes, pop the meatballs, sauce, and cheese in the oven and when they are hot and bubbly, tuck them into buttered and toasted hoagie buns.
With the wide variety of meatball choices in the grocery store, I find myself using these more often. This recipe is a great way to use your favorite frozen meatball. We like the Italian ones that are made with beef, pork, and chicken. They are so full of flavor.
Make Meatballs from Scratch
You can make your meatballs from scratch if you choose. Just mix the following ingredients together, form into balls and carry on with the rest of this recipe.
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Time-saving tip: make a double batch of meatballs. Freeze one batch for the next time.
Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?
Once the meat is combined with the breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings, and herbs, they can be pan-fried or baked. Frying the meatballs in a pan is the fastest way to get them cooked; however, baking them just takes a few minutes longer and for me, there is less chance of overcooking them. It is easy to place the meatballs in a baking pan and bake.
Marinara Sauce for Sandwiches
Here is another place that you can make your own or purchase a jarred sauce. When making these meatball sandwiches, I like using the jarred sauce. We love the chunky garden style tomato sauce, there is a link in the recipe if you are looking to purchase the same one.
However, it is so easy to just open a jar of sauce and pour over the meatballs.
Make Marinara Sauce from Scratch
While I throw this meal together quickly using a jarred sauce, if you have time or prefer to make your own, here are the ingredients to add to a skillet and cook until thick and bubbly. Just perfect for this Marinara Meatball Sandwich.
- 2 large onions diced
- 3cloves garlic diced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 30 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1tablespoon sugar
- 1/2teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Baked Meatballs and Sauce for Sub Sandwiches
This recipe can certainly be made in a skillet; however, I prefer not to have to watch the skillet for ingredients sticking or burning.
The oven is a fantastic option for this recipe.
Just pop the meatballs in a baking dish, pour on the tomato sauce, sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese and bake.
I can spend my time preparing other food for this easy meal or spend time with guests.
This recipe just could not be easier.
Butter and toast the Hoagie buns and spoon on the meatballs with the hot, bubbly, and cheesy marinara sauce
Variations for this Subway Copycat Meatball Sub
Yes, this is reminiscent of the Subway sandwich with the marinara sauce, sub bun, and toppings of your choice.
Protein. The protein used for the meatballs can be beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. A combination of proteins often lends to a delicious meatball with complex flavors.
Make this vegetarian. Replace the meatballs made with meat with a veggie meatball.
Cheese. I like to use a melting cheese for this recipe; however, other cheese options would work great too. American, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere, Provolone, Gouda, or even a Pepper Jack would be delicious choices for this sandwich.
Spice. Some folks may prefer to have a bit of spice in their sub. Here are a few ideas for you. Hot sauce, a few red pepper flakes, sliced jalapenos. Sriracha mayo is a lovely way to add a bit of creaminess and heat.
Marinara sauce. Make your own or use a jarred sauce that you love.
Fresh Herbs. If I have fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, or oregano, I sprinkle a bit on for extra bursts of flavor here and there.
Toppings. Here are a few ideas for fresh toppings to add to this sub. Lettuce, sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, spinach, sliced onions, green pepper slices, or banana pepper slices.
What to Serve with Meatball Subs
Add a light side dish such as a salad to round out this meal.
Berry Spring Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Meatball Marinara Sub Recipe
This recipe for meatball marinara subs are the perfect meal to have when you want something easy, delicious and filling. They are super simple to make and require only a few ingredients.
Meatball Sub Sandwich
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs any kind
- 45 ounces tomato sauce spaghetti sauce
- 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 10 Hoagie Rolls Split
- 10 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Meatballs, Sauce, and Cheese
- Place the meatballs in a 9 X 13 baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the top.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 35 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melty.
Hoagie Rolls
- While the meatballs are baking, cut the Hoagie rolls almost in half lengthwise. Add a tablespoon of butter to each roll spreading it around on both halves. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
Sandwich Assembly
- Spoon meatballs in the center of the bun making sure to add enough cheesy sauce to the bun.
- Add other toppings as desired
