Cheesy Meatball Subs (Printable)
Tender meatballs in marinara with melted cheese on toasted sub rolls
# What You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/4 cup whole milk
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Marinara Sauce
11 - 2 cups marinara sauce
12 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Subs
13 - 4 sub rolls (about 6 inches each)
14 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1 clove garlic, finely grated
17 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
03 - Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
04 - While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes if desired. Transfer the cooked meatballs into the sauce, turning to coat evenly, and let simmer gently for 5–7 minutes.
05 - In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the finely grated garlic. Stir until well blended.
06 - Slice each sub roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Brush the cut sides generously with the garlic butter mixture. Place on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp.
07 - Arrange 3 saucy meatballs inside each toasted roll. Spoon extra marinara over the top, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 - Return the assembled subs to the oven for 3–4 minutes until the mozzarella is fully melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These subs taste like something from a neighborhood Italian deli but come together in under an hour.
- The meatballs bake instead of fry, so you get a golden crust without standing over splattering oil.
- Garlic butter on the rolls is the kind of detail that makes people close their eyes when they bite in.
02 -
- Do not skip the garlic butter step, plain untoasted rolls turn soggy within minutes and the sandwich falls apart in your hands.
- Letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce instead of just spooning it on top is the difference between a good sub and one people beg you to make again.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly with cold water before rolling meatballs and the mixture will not stick to your palms at all.
- Broil the assembled subs for the last minute instead of just baking if you want those gorgeous browned cheese spots that make everyone drool.