Cheesy Meatball Subs are one of those classic, crowd-pleasing sandwiches that feel like a big, warm hug on a plate. Soft, toasted buns loaded with flavorful meatballs, smothered in tangy marinara sauce, and topped with gooey, melted cheese make every bite super satisfying.
I love making these when I want a comforting meal that’s easy to eat but still feels special. The best part for me is letting the cheese melt just right over the hot meatballs, creating that perfect stringy, cheesy pull that makes this sandwich so fun. Pro tip: don’t skip the toasting step for the buns—it adds a little crunch that holds up to all the juicy goodness inside.
These subs are perfect for a casual dinner or feeding a hungry crowd. I usually serve them with some crispy fries or a simple green salad to balance things out. Honestly, every time I make cheesy meatball subs, it takes me right back to cozy family dinners and weekend hangouts—there’s just something about this meal that brings everyone together and makes any day better.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (or Beef & Pork Mix): I like using a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs, but 100% beef works great too. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken.
Breadcrumbs: They help hold the meatballs together and keep them tender. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor inside the meatballs. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano if you prefer a sharper taste.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought sauce is a time-saver here, but homemade always tastes best if you have time. You can also try arrabbiata sauce for a spicy kick.
Hoagie Rolls or Sub Rolls: Choose fresh rolls with a sturdy crust and soft inside. Ciabatta or baguette slices are good alternatives if you can’t find sub rolls.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that classic stretchy cheese effect. Provolone or Monterey Jack also melt well and add slight flavor variations.
How Do You Make Meatballs Tender and Flavorful?
Getting tender, juicy meatballs means mixing and cooking them just right. Here’s how I do it:
- Gently mix ingredients by hand to combine without overworking — too much mixing makes meatballs tough.
- Use a mix of ground meats or add moisture like milk and egg to keep them soft.
- Shape into even-sized balls for uniform cooking.
- Bake instead of frying for less mess and even cooking.
- Simmer cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for a few minutes — this adds flavor and keeps them moist.
Following these tips ensures juicy, tasty meatballs inside your cheesy subs every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking the meatballs evenly without mess.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix your meatball ingredients comfortably.
- Large skillet – to warm and simmer the marinara with meatballs.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the hoagie rolls just right.
- Oven-safe baking dish or sheet pan – to broil the assembled subs and melt the cheese.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner sandwich.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the meatballs for extra herb flavor.
- Use provolone or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a different melt and taste.
- Blend finely chopped spinach or mushrooms into the meatballs to sneak in some veggies.
Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Subs:
- 4 hoagie rolls or 6-inch sub rolls
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- Extra chopped parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to bake the meatballs, plus a few minutes to assemble and broil the subs. In total, plan for around 40-45 minutes from start to ready-to-eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to combine everything gently — be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs could turn tough. Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized balls and place them on the baking sheet.
2. Baking and Simmering Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. When the meatballs are done, transfer them carefully into the sauce and let them simmer for 5 minutes. This makes sure they soak up some tasty flavor and stay juicy.
3. Assembling and Melting Cheese on Subs:
Slice each hoagie roll lengthwise, leaving one side uncut to form a pocket. Spread some marinara sauce inside each roll, then place 3 meatballs into each one. Top generously with slices or shredded mozzarella cheese. Place loaded subs onto a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2–4 minutes, keeping a close eye so the cheese melts beautifully without burning. Once melted and bubbly, remove from the oven, sprinkle with extra chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw frozen meatballs completely before warming them in the marinara sauce. This helps them soak up flavor and ensures they heat through evenly.
What Bread Works Best for Meatball Subs?
Hoagie or sub rolls with a sturdy crust and soft interior work best to hold all the juicy meatballs and sauce without getting soggy. If you don’t have these, ciabatta or a baguette sliced lengthwise are good alternatives.
Can I Make Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the meatballs a day ahead, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, warm them in the marinara sauce and assemble the subs.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Wrap leftovers tightly or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, covering loosely to keep moisture in while warming.
