Cheesy Meatball Subs are a classic comfort food that brings together warm, juicy meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, all tucked inside a soft, toasted sub roll. The mix of tender meat, tangy tomato sauce, and stretchy cheese makes every bite satisfying and full of flavor.
I love making these because they’re such an easy crowd-pleaser. Whenever I serve them, everyone is instantly happy, and they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend treat. If you want a little extra taste, I sometimes sprinkle in some fresh basil or Parmesan before popping the subs in the oven for that melty, golden finish.
My favorite way to enjoy Cheesy Meatball Subs is right out of the oven while the cheese is still warm and soft. They’re great paired with a simple side salad or crispy fries. These subs always remind me of fun family gatherings where we all sat around the table sharing stories and passing plates of these cheesy delights. It’s like a hug in sandwich form!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like a mix of beef and pork for juicy, flavorful meatballs. You can use all beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Just watch cooking times as leaner meat cooks faster.
Breadcrumbs & Milk: These keep the meatballs tender. Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. If avoiding dairy, swap milk with unsweetened plant-based milk or water.
Parmesan Cheese & Garlic: Parmesan adds a nice depth, but you can skip or replace it with Pecorino Romano. Fresh garlic really boosts flavor; garlic powder works in a pinch but use less.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works well for quick meals. For more flavor, simmer the sauce with herbs or a splash of red wine. Tomato sauce or pizza sauce can substitute if needed.
Cheese: Provolone melts beautifully, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great too. For a sharper flavor, add a bit of cheddar or fontina.
Sub Rolls: Soft rolls with a sturdy crust are key. If unavailable, hoagie buns or even toasted baguette slices work. Toasting prevents sogginess from the sauce.
How Do I Make the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Meatballs?
Meatball texture and taste are the heart of this dish. Follow these tips for success:
- Mix ingredients gently—you want them combined, not mushy.
- Use breadcrumbs and a little milk to keep meatballs moist during cooking.
- Don’t crowd the pan when browning; this lets them crisp up nicely.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce gently to finish cooking and soak up flavor.
- For even cooking, make meatballs similar-sized, about golf ball size.
Taking these steps helps you get tender, tasty meatballs that hold together well and taste amazing in your subs.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for gently combining meatball ingredients without making them tough.
- 12-inch skillet or frying pan – great for browning meatballs evenly before simmering in sauce.
- Slotted spoon – helps you lift meatballs out of the sauce without too much liquid.
- Baking sheet – for broiling the assembled subs to melt the cheese perfectly.
- Sharp knife – to slice the sub rolls cleanly for easy filling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter meatball subs.
- Mix in finely chopped sautéed onions or bell peppers into the meatballs for extra moisture and flavor.
- Use Italian sausage instead of beef for a spicier, herb-packed taste.
- Add fresh basil or oregano to the marinara for a brighter, fresher sauce.
Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Subs:
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (or shredded equivalent)
- Butter (for toasting rolls)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the meatballs and sauce, 15-20 minutes to simmer the meatballs until fully cooked, plus 5-10 minutes to toast the rolls and melt the cheese under the broiler. Overall, you should plan for around 35-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape and Brown the Meatballs:
Form the mixture into about 12 golf ball–sized meatballs. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-6 minutes until golden but not fully cooked.
3. Simmer in Sauce:
Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
4. Prepare the Rolls:
Slice your sub rolls lengthwise and lightly butter the cut sides. Toast them in a pan or under a broiler until golden brown.
5. Assemble and Melt the Cheese:
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place meatballs inside each toasted roll and spoon extra marinara sauce over them. Top each sub with two slices of provolone or a handful of shredded mozzarella. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the subs from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy meatball subs!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs work great! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or defrost in the microwave before simmering in the marinara sauce to heat through.
What Can I Substitute for Provolone Cheese?
You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even cheddar if you prefer a different flavor. Any good melting cheese will create that delicious gooey topping.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed thoroughly.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and cook the meatballs a day in advance, then store them with the sauce in the fridge. When ready, warm gently and assemble your subs just before serving.