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Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe

Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe

5.3 from 10 reviews

This Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs recipe features juicy, flavorful meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and spices, simmered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. Served in warm, toasted hoagie rolls, this hearty sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Assembly

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 4 hoagie or sub rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for toasting rolls)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Cook the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a crust, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Simmer meatballs in sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meatballs or into a separate saucepan. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Prepare the rolls: If desired, slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise and butter the insides. Toast them in a hot skillet or oven until golden and slightly crisp, enhancing flavor and texture.
  6. Assemble the subs: Place 3-4 meatballs on the bottom half of each roll, spoon extra marinara sauce over the meatballs, then top with shredded mozzarella and a slice of provolone if using. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Melt the cheese: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, close the rolls, slice if needed, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

  • For juicier meatballs, you can add a splash of milk to the meat mixture.
  • Bulletproof the sandwich by toasting the rolls so they hold up against the sauce without becoming soggy.
  • Make meatballs ahead of time and freeze them; reheat in sauce when ready to serve.
  • Swap mozzarella for provolone or another meltable cheese for variation.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball subs, cheesy meatball sandwich, easy meatball recipe, hoagie sandwich, Italian sandwiches