If you’re searching for a delicious and comforting meal that brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs and melty cheese nestled inside soft sub rolls, you have to try this incredible Baked Meatball Subs Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of savory ground beef, aromatic Italian spices, rich pasta sauce, and gooey mozzarella that results in a sandwich that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying. Every bite bursts with classic Italian-American flavors, making these subs an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, the easy baking method ensures you get perfectly cooked meatballs and cheese that’s perfectly melted every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the magic behind this Baked Meatball Subs Recipe, you just need a handful of simple and essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building up taste and texture. From the seasoned ground beef that forms juicy meatballs to the fresh parsley garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness, every component counts.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the base for tender, flavorful meatballs without excess fat.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together for perfect shape and consistency.
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps keep meatballs moist.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Imparts subtle savory depth to the meatball mixture.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the flavor with aromatic garlic notes.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses that classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 cups pasta sauce: Coats the meatballs in rich, tangy tomato goodness.
- 5 sub rolls: The soft, yet sturdy vessel to hold all that delicious filling.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella: Brings creamy, melty cheese goodness to each sub.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to finish off the dish beautifully.
How to Make Baked Meatball Subs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F to get it ready for baking. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I always find that using my hands to mix everything together gives the most thorough and even blend, making for perfectly textured meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the meat mixture, then gently roll each portion into a round meatball shape with your hands. Placing the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through. This baking time ensures the meatballs stay juicy while achieving a nice cooked exterior without drying out.
Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
While the meatballs bake, pour the pasta sauce into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the sauce and gently toss to coat each meatball evenly with the rich, savory sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Subs
Line the sub rolls in a baking dish and fill each roll with 3 to 5 meatballs, depending on the size and your preferred filling amount. Generously top each sub with shredded mozzarella, letting the cheese cover the meatballs and bread.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese Under the Broiler
Place the baking dish under the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the mozzarella melts, bubbles, and starts to turn golden. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the subs with freshly chopped parsley for a final burst of flavor and beautiful color.
How to Serve Baked Meatball Subs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the perfect garnish that complements the rich flavors and adds a fresh, herbaceous note. For a little extra zing, you might also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top.
Side Dishes
These subs pair wonderfully with simple sides like crisp green salads or crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. Garlic fries or oven-roasted vegetables also make great companions for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the subs open-faced on a large platter for everyone to customize with additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, fresh basil leaves, or drizzles of balsamic glaze. Cutting the subs into smaller sliders makes them perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Baked Meatball Subs Recipe, simply wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for tasty next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked subs by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen subs will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and melting the cheese as usual.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. You can also quickly reheat in a microwave, but the melty texture of the cheese is best preserved with oven reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but keep in mind that these meats may be less juicy, so you might want to add a little olive oil or an extra egg to keep the meatballs moist.
What type of pasta sauce works best?
Any good-quality marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce will work wonderfully. You can also use homemade sauce if you prefer a fresher, more personalized flavor.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce up to a day ahead, then assemble and broil the subs just before serving for maximum freshness.
How can I make these subs spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle them on top before serving. You can also mix a spicy marinara or add sliced jalapeños inside the subs.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Just swap the Italian seasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs, and ensure your sub rolls are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients should already be safe.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Meatball Subs Recipe is one of those go-to comfort foods that never fails to bring smiles around the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, it’s a simple yet show-stopping way to share delicious flavors and cozy vibes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple – enjoy every melty, savory bite!
Print
Baked Meatball Subs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Baked Meatball Subs are a hearty and comforting sandwich featuring juicy, homemade meatballs baked to perfection, simmered in flavorful pasta sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies all ages.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Assembly
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 5 sub rolls
- 1–1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Mix Meatball Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly for even seasoning and binding.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture, then roll each scoop into round meatballs with your hands. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Heat Pasta Sauce and Coat Meatballs: While the meatballs bake, pour the pasta sauce into a large skillet and warm over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet, coating each meatball thoroughly in the hot sauce.
- Assemble Subs: In a baking dish, line the sub rolls and fill each with 3-5 meatballs depending on their size. Generously top the meatballs in each roll with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil Cheese: Place the prepared subs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meatball sub experience.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease but maintain juiciness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more Italian herbs if preferred.
- Sub rolls can be lightly toasted before assembling for extra crunch.
- Keep a close eye on the broiler step to prevent cheese from burning.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated or frozen for quick meals later.
