Meatball Subs
These easy homemade meatball subs are packed with juicy Italian-style meatballs, rich pasta sauce (out of the jar!), melted cheese, and toasted hoagie rolls. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, game day, or feeding a crowd and the homemade meatballs freeze beautifully for later meals.
If you think homemade meatballs are difficult, this recipe will completely change your mind. These homemade meatball subs are incredibly easy to make and taste so much better than anything frozen. The meatballs are tender, flavorful, and simmered in a good quality canned pasta sauce to keep dinner simple without sacrificing flavor. Piled onto toasted hoagie rolls and topped with melty cheese, these subs are the kind of comfort food everyone loves for lunch, dinner, game day, or casual entertaining.
One of the best parts about this meatball sub recipe is that it makes enough to feed a crowd or freeze extra meatballs for later recipes, making meal prep even easier. Whether you are looking for an easy family dinner, freezer-friendly recipe, or classic Italian-inspired sandwich recipe, these toasted meatball subs deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
📝 Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb of Ground Beef
- 1 lb of Ground Pork
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Italian Style Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 3 TBSP of chopped onion, dried or 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 TBSP Italian Seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced OR 1 TBSP Garlic Powder
- To cook:
- 28oz Jar of your favorite Pasta Sauce
- 2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- To Serve:
- Hoagie Rolls (for as many will be eating)
- Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced or grated.
- Chopped Parsley
- Caesar Salad bag mix for an easy side dish
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Combine the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Using a cookie scoop, portion the meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll them gently with your hands if you want a smoother, more uniform shape.
- 2
Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 8 minutes, gently stirring or tossing every 2 minutes so they brown evenly on all sides. Pour in the pasta sauce and reduce heat to medium. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce is warmed through and the meatballs are fully cooked.
- 3
Build the Meatball Subs: Slice the hoagie rolls down the center without cutting all the way through. If desired, scoop out a little of the bread from the center to make room for the filling. Add mozzarella cheese to the inside of each roll, then fill with meatballs and sauce. Top with additional mozzarella cheese.
- 4
Place the subs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- 5
Serve: Remove from the oven and top with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with a quick Caesar salad on the side and enjoy!
💡 Tips for Success
- Do not overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough instead of tender and juicy. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Use a cookie scoop for even meatballs. This helps the meatballs cook evenly and keeps them all the same size.
- Brown the meatballs before adding the sauce. Getting a good sear on the outside adds so much flavor and helps the meatballs hold together.
- Use a good quality jarred pasta sauce. It keeps this recipe quick and easy while still tasting homemade. A flavorful sauce really brings everything together.
- Toast the subs before serving. Baking the sandwiches helps the bread hold up to the sauce and gives you that melty cheese, crispy bread combination.
- Hollow out the hoagie rolls slightly. Removing a little of the inside bread makes more room for meatballs and helps prevent everything from sliding out while eating.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella if possible. It melts smoother and gives you that classic cheesy pull.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the meatballs in batches if needed so they brown instead of steam.
- Freeze extra meatballs for later meals. This recipe makes a great freezer-friendly meal prep option for future pasta nights, subs, or appetizers.
- Freeze meatballs in smaller portions so you can easily pull out enough for quick weeknight dinners, meatball subs, pasta nights, or appetizers without thawing the entire batch.
- Serve immediately after baking. Meatball subs are best hot and fresh while the bread is toasted and the cheese is perfectly melted.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the meatballs up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also fully cook and freeze them for an easy future meal.
Can I freeze homemade meatballs?
Absolutely. Both raw and cooked meatballs freeze very well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
What is the best bread for meatball subs?
Hoagie rolls or sub rolls work best because they are sturdy enough to hold the sauce and meatballs without getting soggy.
What cheese works best on meatball subs?
Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts beautifully, but provolone or parmesan are also delicious additions.
Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs instead?
You can, but homemade meatballs have much better flavor and texture. This recipe is surprisingly easy and worth the extra few minutes.
How do I keep meatball subs from getting soggy?
Toasting the bread and adding a layer of cheese directly onto the roll before the meatballs helps create a barrier that keeps the bread from soaking up too much sauce.
Can I make these meatballs with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken both work well. Just keep in mind they may cook a little faster and can be slightly less juicy than beef
What sides go well with meatball subs?
Caesar salad, fries, pasta salad, roasted vegetables, or chips all pair perfectly with meatball subs
How do I reheat leftover meatball subs?
Wrap the subs in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This helps keep the bread from getting too soft.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Definitely. Homemade sauce works great if you already have some on hand, but a good quality jarred sauce keeps this recipe quick and easy for busy nights.
How do I freeze raw meatballs?
To freeze uncooked meatballs, place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1–2 hours, or until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together so you can grab only what you need later. Raw meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze cooked meatballs?
Yes - allow cooked meatballs to cool completely before freezing. You can freeze them with or without sauce. Place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cooked meatballs will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in pasta sauce on the stovetop, in the oven covered with foil, or in the microwave until heated through.
Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!