Italian Meatball Subs

An All-American favorite – the Meatball Sub! This mouth-watering sandwich concoction is made of Italian meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese piled in a toasted bread garlic roll.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig into these Italian Meatball Subs.

Why You Should Make These Meatballs Subs

You’ll instantly become everyone’s favorite cook when you serve these delicious and hearty subs.

The stars of the show are the juicy flavorful meatballs made from a mixture of ground chuck and ground pork swimming in your favorite homemade or store-bought marinara sauce. And cheese – can’t get enough of the gooey cheese!

The meatball subs are a fan favorite and are easy to make for a small family or a crowd. They are also easy to make ahead and to freeze.

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1.5 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. ground pork
• ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Subs

• 4 Large hoagie-style rolls
• 8 slices of provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 3 cups of your favorite homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Let’s Make Italian Meatball Subs

Meatballs and Sub Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper.
3. Add all of the meatball ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
4. Gently fold the meatball mixture, with your hands, until everything is combined.
5. Form the meatballs with your hands. For this recipe, I prefer to make larger meatballs, using 3 per hoagie roll.
6. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes. *NOTE: the baking time is dependent on the size of the meatballs. If you make small meatballs bake them for 20-25 minutes.
7. Pour the marinara sauce into a large stove-top pan and simmer on low.
8. When the meatballs are finished baking, add them to the marinara sauce and allow them to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
9. Switch the oven from 375° to the broil setting.
10. Microwave the butter and 1 tbsp of garlic powder for 20 seconds until it melts.
11. Slice the hoagie rolls, brush the inside with garlic butter, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and broil them for 5-10 minutes. *NOTE: watch the rolls carefully so they do not burn.
12. Remove the hoagie rolls and reduce the oven temperature to 350°.

Assembly

1. Place two slices of provolone cheese in each roll.
2. Add three meatballs.
3. Top with 2-3 tbsp marinara sauce and grated parmesan cheese.
4. Add 1-2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips

• Use a mixture of ground chuck and ground pork. You can buy already prepared “meatloaf” mix at the market or buy the ground chuck and ground pork separately.
• Use flavored breadcrumbs and add more spices.
• Salt is your friend when making meatballs. Be sure to use enough seasoning.
• Do not overmix the meatballs. Use your hands to gently fold the ingredients until everything comes together. The meatballs should be firm but look rustic.
• If the meatball mix is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
• If the meatball mix is too wet, add a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs.
• Always serve these subs on a hearty roll that has been toasted with butter and garlic.
• Pro Tip: Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze them. That way you can make these delicious subs anytime.

More KKM Fan-Favorite Recipes

• Pappardelle Bolognese
• Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
• Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie
• Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza