Cheesy Meatball Subs are a classic comfort food that’s packed with juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and a soft, toasty roll. These subs bring together the hearty flavors of seasoned meatballs and rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese that makes every bite so satisfying.
I love making these meatball subs when I want something that feels special but isn’t too complicated. The best part is watching the cheese bubble and melt perfectly over the warm meatballs—it’s such a simple thing but makes the sandwich feel super cozy. I usually add a little extra sauce inside to make it nice and saucy without getting messy.
For serving, I like to pair these subs with a side of crunchy pickles or some fresh salad to balance out the richness. They’re perfect for a casual weekend lunch or a fun dinner where everyone can dig in and enjoy. Whenever I make these, I can’t help but remember sharing them with friends and family—there’s something about cheesy meatball subs that just brings people together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ground Meat: I like using a mix of beef and pork for juicy, flavorful meatballs. You can stick to just beef or try turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs: These help hold the meatballs together and keep them tender. If gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for meltiness, but provolone or Monterey Jack also work well. Feel free to add Parmesan on top for extra punch.
Rolls: Soft hoagie or sub rolls are ideal. If you can’t find them, sturdy sandwich buns work but avoid very soft rolls that might get soggy.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought or homemade tomato sauce works great. You can spice it up with red pepper flakes or herbs to your taste.
How Can You Make Tender, Flavorful Meatballs Every Time?
The secret to great meatballs is mixing and cooking them just right:
- Mix ingredients gently — overworking makes them tough.
- Use breadcrumbs and egg to bind while keeping them moist.
- Brown meatballs first in a hot skillet to develop flavor and texture.
- Simmer in sauce to finish cooking evenly and soak up flavor.
- Handle gently when shaping to keep them soft.
Practice helps! I usually make one test meatball to check seasoning before shaping the rest. This little step saves time and makes sure your subs taste spot on.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining meatball ingredients evenly without mess.
- 12-inch skillet – great for browning meatballs and simmering them in sauce in one pan.
- Baking sheet – helps melt the cheese on subs evenly in the oven.
- Spatula or tongs – makes flipping meatballs easy without breaking them.
- Knife – to slice your hoagie rolls cleanly before assembling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter sandwich option.
- Try adding chopped fresh basil or oregano to the meatball mix for a fresh, herby taste.
- Use provolone or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a different melt and flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside the sub for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce and Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 4 hoagie/sub rolls
- 8 oz sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone)
- Optional: mayo or marianna sauce for spreading inside the sub
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the meatball mixture and cook them, 15 minutes to simmer the meatballs in sauce, and around 10 minutes to assemble and melt the cheese on the subs. In total, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just blended – avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 12 to 16 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each. Try to make them uniform for even cooking.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, roughly 5–7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Simmer in Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the sauce and let them cook together for 10–15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and infused with the sauce.
5. Prepare the Rolls:
While the meatballs simmer, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hoagie rolls open. If you like, spread a thin layer of mayo or your favorite sauce inside each roll for extra flavor.
6. Assemble the Subs:
Place 3 to 4 meatballs into each hoagie roll. Spoon some sauce over the meatballs, then top generously with mozzarella cheese.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Put the assembled subs on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the subs from the oven and sprinkle with extra chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm, enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for These Subs?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Then, brown and simmer them in the sauce as usual.
Can I Make These Subs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, assemble the subs and bake until the cheese melts. This makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil or microwave until warmed through.
What’s a Good Alternative to Hoagie Rolls?
If hoagie rolls aren’t available, sturdy sandwich buns or baguettes can work well. Just pick breads that hold up to the sauce without getting soggy too fast.