Cheesy Meatball Subs are a classic comfort food that brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled in a soft, warm sub roll, all smothered in melted cheese and tangy marinara sauce. The combination of tender meat, gooey cheese, and a perfectly toasted sandwich roll makes each bite a satisfying experience that’s hard to beat.
I love making these because they’re super easy to put together but always feel special enough for a weekend treat. I usually let the meatballs soak up the marinara sauce a bit before piling them into the bread, so every bite bursts with flavor. Plus, watching the cheese melt just right is honestly one of my favorite little moments in the kitchen.
These subs are perfect for sharing with family or serving up for a game day crowd—everyone seems to agree they’re a total winner! I like to add a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan and some fresh basil on top for a simple twist that brightens the whole sandwich. Seriously, once you make them, this will become your go-to for an easy and delicious meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like using a mix of beef and pork for juicy and flavorful meatballs. If you prefer leaner, just use ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and keep them tender. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty, umami kick. You can swap with Pecorino Romano or omit if dairy-free, but add a pinch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade marinara really shines here. Try to pick a sauce with a good balance of herbs and acidity for the best flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. Shredded mozzarella works well too. For a dairy-free twist, try vegan mozzarella.
How Can I Get Juicy, Tender Meatballs That Hold Together?
Making meatballs that stay moist but don’t fall apart can feel tricky. Here are my tips:
- Use a mix of meats or add a bit of fat for moisture.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; gently combine ingredients to avoid dense meatballs.
- Add breadcrumbs soaked in milk to keep the meatball soft.
- Cook meatballs over medium heat and turn carefully to brown evenly without breaking.
- Simmering meatballs in sauce after browning lets them soak up flavor and stay juicy.
By following these tips, you’ll get meatballs that are tender inside, nicely browned outside, and full of flavor in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for gently combining your meatball ingredients without overmixing.
- Nonstick skillet or frying pan – great for browning meatballs evenly without sticking.
- Saucepan or deep pan – for simmering meatballs in marinara sauce to add flavor and keep them juicy.
- Baking sheet – useful for broiling the assembled subs to melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
- Sharp knife – to slice the sub rolls cleanly without squishing them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meatball option that still holds great flavor.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the meat mixture for a fresh, herbal twist.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a slightly different melt and flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the sauce for extra veggies and texture.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Assembly:
- 4 sub rolls (about 6-inch each)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the meatballs and get them cooking, plus around 10-15 minutes simmering in the sauce. Adding the assembling and broiling time, plan for about 35-40 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix so your meatballs stay tender. Then, shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs and set aside.
3. Simmer in Sauce:
Place the browned meatballs into a pot or deep pan with the marinara sauce. Let them simmer gently on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up all the delicious flavors.
4. Prepare the Subs:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Slice the sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through so they hold together. Lightly toast the bread if you like—it adds a nice crunch. Next, spoon a generous helping of meatballs with sauce onto each roll and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese & Serve:
Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the mozzarella melts and bubbles. Keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t burn! Once melted, remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve your warm, cheesy meatball subs immediately.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw frozen meatballs completely in the fridge overnight or microwave them gently before adding to the marinara sauce to simmer. This helps them absorb flavor and heats them through evenly.
How Can I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals for convenience.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
Provolone, fontina, or even cheddar can work well if you want a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, vegan mozzarella melts nicely without compromising on gooey texture.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs a day ahead. Simply simmer in sauce, cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before assembling your subs.
