These Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs are the perfect comfort food! Juicy meatballs are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey cheese, all tucked into a soft sub roll.
And who can resist melted cheese? I find these subs are great for game day or a quick dinner. Just stack ’em up and watch everyone’s eyes light up at the cheese pull! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the classic choice for these meatballs, but you can mix in ground pork for extra flavor. If you want a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead!
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. I sometimes use panko for a lighter texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice touch of savory flavor. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you want something sharper. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic dairy-free option!
Sub Rolls: Hoagie rolls are perfect, but any soft sandwich bread will do. For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can make a fun replacement!
Why is Mixing Your Meatball Mixture Important?
Mixing your ingredients well is essential for great meatballs. You want all the flavors to blend but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Aim for a gentle mix just until everything is combined, which keeps them tender and juicy!
- Combine everything in a mixing bowl, using your hands or a spoon.
- Form the meatballs gently, trying to maintain a light touch to keep them fluffy.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Cheese Melts Perfectly?
To get that perfect cheesy layer on your subs, you need to bake them just right! After you’ve assembled your subs, placing them in the oven helps melt the cheese into gooey goodness.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot enough to melt the cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden for best results.
With these tips and tricks, your Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs will be satisfying and delicious! Enjoy!
Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Subs:
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra grated Parmesan, for topping
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making these Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the meatballs and another 15 minutes baking and assembling everything. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and helps to get that lovely cheesy melt later on!
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs may turn out tough!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into meatballs that are about 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Place them onto a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball for even cooking.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Heat Up the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, pour your marinara sauce into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. This will be the delicious sauce that brings everything together!
6. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the skillet with the warmed marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and let them warm up together for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Prepare the Sub Rolls:
While your meatballs are mingling with the sauce, slice the hoagie or sub rolls open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. If you like, toast them lightly in the oven for a few minutes to give them a little crunch.
8. Assemble the Subs:
Take your sub rolls and spoon several meatballs along with some marinara sauce into each one. Make sure to add some extra sauce for a juicy bite!
9. Add the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs in each sub. The more, the merrier!
10. Bake the Assembled Subs:
Place your assembled subs on a baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Final Touches:
Once they come out of the oven, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley or basil, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper on top for added flavor.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot, gooey, and cheesy meatball subs right away! Enjoy this delightful meal that everyone is sure to love!
This recipe makes 4 hearty meatball subs, perfect for a satisfying meal with family or friends!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, so it’s best to avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
To store leftovers, wrap the subs in foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a delicious revival or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Use Homemade Marinara Sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade marinara adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and heated before adding the meatballs for the best flavor.
What Is the Best Way to Freeze Meatballs?
To freeze meatballs, let them cool completely after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before warming up with sauce to serve.
