Meatball Subs with Marinara and Mozzarella

Introduction

Meatball Subs with Marinara and Mozzarella are a classic comfort food that combine juicy, flavorful meatballs with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in a soft sub roll. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.

Whether you’re making these for a weeknight family meal or a party, they’re easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara, and creamy mozzarella is irresistible and brings a touch of Italian-American classic cuisine to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends rich, comforting flavors with simple preparation. The homemade or store-bought marinara enhances the meatballs without overpowering them, and the melted mozzarella creates a gooey, indulgent texture that makes every bite satisfying.

It’s a recipe that everyone enjoys, from kids to adults, and it’s versatile—you can make the meatballs ahead of time, customize the sauce, or even bake them with extra cheese for a golden crust.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Flavorful & comforting – classic combination of meatballs, sauce, and cheese.
• Family-friendly – loved by kids and adults alike.
• Quick & customizable – adjust spices, cheese, or bread type.
• Perfect for entertaining – easy to prepare for gatherings.

Recipe Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 subs
• Calories: ~500–550 per sub

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course, Sandwich

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp dried basil (optional)

For the Subs:

• 4–6 soft sub rolls or hoagie rolls
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix and form meatballs; bake or pan-fry until cooked through.
2. Heat marinara sauce and simmer meatballs in it for extra flavor.
3. Split rolls and layer meatballs and sauce; top with mozzarella.
4. Bake or broil until cheese melts. Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
2. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
3. Form mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 12–16).

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

• Oven method: Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
• Stovetop method: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add marinara sauce and basil (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add cooked meatballs to sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes to absorb flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Subs

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Split rolls lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
3. Place 3–4 meatballs in each roll and spoon sauce over them.
4. Top each sub with shredded mozzarella.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

1. Place assembled subs on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 5–7 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
2. Serve hot with extra marinara on the side if you like.

How to Serve

• Serve with a side salad, French fries, or roasted vegetables.
• Add pickled jalapeños or crushed red pepper for extra heat.
• Pair with soda, iced tea, or a light red wine for a casual meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Slightly undercook meatballs if finishing in sauce—they’ll finish cooking without drying out.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
• Warm rolls slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.
• Leftover meatballs can be used for pasta, pizza, or meatball sliders.

Variations

• Italian Sausage Meatballs: Use ground sausage instead of beef.
• Spicy Subs: Add red pepper flakes to meatballs or sauce.
• Cheese Lovers: Add provolone or fontina with mozzarella.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate assembled (unbaked) subs for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked meatballs or unassembled meatballs in marinara sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat before assembling in rolls.
• Reheating: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or skillet for meatballs
• Saucepan for marinara sauce
• Oven or broiler for melting cheese
• Mixing bowls and spatula

Conclusion

Meatball Subs with Marinara and Mozzarella are a hearty, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy night in. The combination of juicy meatballs, savory marinara, and melted cheese makes this a classic everyone will love. With simple preparation and versatile ingredients, these subs are a timeless favorite that’s easy to make at home.