Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches. Pillowy-soft, garlicky meatballs smothered in a fresh basil marinara, nestled into crusty rolls and blanketed with melted provolone and fontina: every bite is a trip straight to your favorite Italian deli. Not only do these sandwiches satisfy a serious craving, but they also bring that irresistible homemade touch to your table, whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of kitchen staples create something so hearty and memorable. Each ingredient in these Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches serves a vital, flavor-packed role—bringing together spicy, cheesy, herby notes and that signature Italian warmth.
- Ground beef: Gives the meatballs their hearty texture and deep, savory flavor.
- Ground pork: Adds richness and a juicy bite, so the meatballs are never dry.
- Garlic powder: Packs in essential garlicky goodness, distributed evenly throughout the mix.
- Onion powder: Lends sweet, mellow depth without the texture of diced onions.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend of basil, oregano, and herbs for an authentic Italian aroma.
- Salt: Locks in flavor and brings all the ingredients together.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the richness.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture, keeping the meatballs tender and together.
- Parmesan cheese (in meatballs): Adds umami and a nutty, salty depth.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to extra-soft, light meatballs.
- Water: Makes the meatballs moist and juicy—don’t skip it!
- Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base for the sauce, infusing it with Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Blooms in the oil and creates the foundation for your marinara.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Bring a subtle, lingering heat that brightens the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes with basil: Makes a lush, thick, flavorful sauce with built-in basil sweetness.
- Salt (for sauce): Ensures every layer of sauce is perfectly seasoned.
- Granulated sugar: Balances out tomato acidity for a smooth finish.
- Italian seasoning (for sauce): Reinforces those irresistible herby notes.
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped): Adds brightness and a burst of garden-fresh flavor.
- Crusty sub rolls: Sturdy enough to hold all your luscious fillings without falling apart.
- Provolone cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully for that gooey, stringy effect.
- Fontina cheese (shredded): Adds creaminess and a subtle, buttery flavor to your cheese blend.
- Parmesan cheese (for topping): Sprinkled on top for a salty, golden crust.
- Fresh basil (torn, optional): A final, aromatic flourish for serving.
How to Make Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare and Shape the Meatballs
Get things rolling by preheating your oven to 425°F and setting up a large, parchment-lined baking sheet. In a big mixing bowl, combine your ground beef and pork with all the seasonings, eggs, parmesan, and panko. Add the water gradually, using your hands to gently bring the mixture together without overworking it—remember, no one wants dense meatballs! The mix should feel very moist yet still hold its shape when rolled.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
Scoop a generous two and a half tablespoons of your mixture, form into balls, and line them on your prepared baking sheet. You should end up with plump, uniform meatballs. Bake for 20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and nicely golden. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible at this point.
Step 3: Simmer the Homemade Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, set a medium pan over medium-low heat and let the olive oil warm up. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté till golden and fragrant (about one minute), then sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a boost of heat. Stir in your crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning, and let everything simmer for at least 15 minutes, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Finish by stirring in the chopped basil; its aroma will make you want to dive right in.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs come out of the oven, gently nestle them into the bubbling sauce. Stir to coat every meatball in that rich marinara. Let them soak up the flavors for a few minutes, getting extra juicy and delicious.
Step 5: Assemble and Melt the Cheese
Crank your oven to the broil setting. Split your sub rolls lengthwise (leaving one edge attached so they cradle the meatballs nicely). Tuck about five saucy meatballs into each roll, spooning on some extra sauce. Generously sprinkle each sub with provolone and fontina, making sure every nook is covered.
Step 6: Broil Until Bubbly and Golden
Arrange your loaded subs on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler. Keep a close eye—this step goes fast! Heat just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble with some golden brown spots. Remove from the heat, sprinkle with parmesan and fresh torn basil, and serve these Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches while they’re piping hot.
How to Serve Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, scattered fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese over your sandwiches elevate the flavors and make everything pop with fresh color. It’s the little details that bring home the feeling of an Italian trattoria at your own dinner table.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair your Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches with a crisp Italian salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, classic potato chips for crunch, or a bowl of minestrone soup for even more warmth. Garlic knots or roasted veggies are always a hit, too!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them slider-style for parties by using mini rolls, or slice the full-sized subs into halves or thirds for a game day platter. Layer your subs open-faced on a board, letting everyone add their own cheese and toppings—this turns dinner into an interactive, crowd-pleasing feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to three days. Store meatballs, sauce, and bread separately if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Meatballs freeze beautifully! Cool any extra cooked meatballs and sauce completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a sub, simply thaw and reheat your portions.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce over medium-low heat on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot. Refresh the bread in a warm oven if you like, then assemble and broil with cheese for that just-made effect.
FAQs
Can I use all beef or all pork for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While the combination is traditional and adds richness, you can swap either completely for personal preference or dietary needs; just know the flavor and texture may change slightly.
What’s the best bread for Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches?
Look for hearty, crusty sub rolls or hoagie rolls—they need to be sturdy enough to support the saucy meatballs and melted cheese without getting soggy.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes! Prep and bake the meatballs ahead of time, then store in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready, just reheat gently in your sauce before assembling and broiling the subs.
What’s a good substitute for fontina cheese?
If you can’t find fontina, substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Both will melt nicely and keep that gooey cheese appeal.
How spicy are these sandwiches?
There’s just a hint of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can dial it up or down to taste—or skip it entirely if you prefer a mild flavor.
Final Thoughts
Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches are guaranteed to win over anyone who tries them. There’s just something comforting about melting cheeses, garlicky meatballs, and saucy bread all together. Bring the magic of a classic Italian sandwich shop to your own home—you’ll want to make these again and again!
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Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Italian Meatball Sub Sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Juicy meatballs smothered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with a blend of cheeses, and baked to perfection in a crusty sub roll – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound (454g) ground beef
- 1 pound (454g) ground pork
- 3 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100g) parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup (171ml) water
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup (76ml) olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes with basil
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
For the Subs:
- 8 crusty sub rolls (cut in half)
- 8 ounces provolone cheese (shredded)
- 6 ounces fontina cheese (shredded)
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- Fresh basil (torn, for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- For the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Form into balls and bake for 20 minutes.
- For the Sauce: Heat oil, sauté garlic, add pepper flakes, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in basil.
- For the Subs: Preheat broiler. Fill sub rolls with meatballs and sauce, top with cheeses, and broil until melted and golden. Garnish with basil and parmesan.
Notes
- You can customize these subs with your favorite cheeses or additional toppings.
- These subs are great for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sub sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Italian, Meatball Sub, Sandwich, Easy, Family Dinner
