Cheesy Meatball Subs are a classic comfort food that brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs nestled in a soft sub roll and topped with plenty of melted cheese. The combination of tangy marinara sauce, tender meatballs, and gooey cheese makes each bite a warm, satisfying treat that’s hard to resist.
I love making these because they’re perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend get-together with friends. One tip I’ve learned is to heat the subs in the oven just long enough to get the cheese perfectly melted and a little bubbly—it really makes all the flavors come together beautifully.
Serving these with a side of crispy chips or a simple green salad makes for a balanced and filling meal. Whenever I make Cheesy Meatball Subs, they disappear fast, which tells me everyone loves the cozy, hearty feeling they bring to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (or Beef and Pork): Beef adds rich flavor and pork adds extra moisture. If you want a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well too, just watch for dryness.
Breadcrumbs: These keep meatballs tender. Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free version, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty, nutty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or grated Asiago can be good alternatives.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for more freshness. A good quality sauce with herbs will make a big difference.
Sub Rolls: Soft rolls that can hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart. If you can’t find hoagie rolls, try Italian bread or even a sturdy baguette.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty, creamy texture. Provolone or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can be tasty swaps too.
How Do I Get Moist and Tender Meatballs Every Time?
Making meatballs moist and tender can be tricky. Here’s what helps me:
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use breadcrumbs soaked in a little milk or water if they seem dry; this adds moisture.
- Include an egg to bind but not too much to keep them soft.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet first—not only for flavor but to seal in juices.
- Bake with sauce to finish cooking—this keeps them juicy and lets the flavors meld.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining the meatball ingredients without making a mess.
- Skillet or frying pan – to brown the meatballs and lock in flavor before baking.
- Baking dish – great for finishing the meatballs in the sauce and keeping them juicy.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the sub rolls cleanly without squashing them.
- Baking sheet – to place the assembled subs on for melting the cheese evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter sub that still tastes great.
- Add Italian sausage to the meat mix for extra spice and richness in your meatballs.
- Try provolone or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for different cheese flavors.
- Mix chopped fresh basil or oregano into the meatballs for a brighter herbal note I love in summer.
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)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Assembly:
- 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake the meatballs, plus another 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese on the assembled subs. In total, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Mix Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Be careful not to overmix — you want everything just combined.
2. Shape and Brown Meatballs:
Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1.5 inches wide. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice crust, but they don’t have to be fully cooked inside yet. Remove and set aside.
3. Bake Meatballs in Sauce:
Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the browned meatballs on top, then pour the remaining sauce over them. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until meatballs are thoroughly cooked.
4. Assemble the Subs:
Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through—leave a hinge so they hold together. Once the meatballs are ready, spoon 3-4 meatballs with sauce into each roll. Pile shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
5. Melt Cheese and Serve:
Place the prepared subs on a baking sheet and pop them back into the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Take them out, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top, and serve immediately. Enjoy your warm, cheesy meatball subs!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before assembling the subs. Reheat the thawed meatballs in marinara sauce on the stove or in the oven before placing them in the rolls and melting the cheese.
What Can I Substitute for Sub Rolls?
If you don’t have sub rolls, try using hoagie buns, Italian bread, or even sturdy baguettes. Just make sure they’re soft enough to bite into but sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Wrap leftover subs tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs a day ahead, then store them in the sauce in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble the subs, then melt the cheese in the oven as usual.
