There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy sandwich loaded with savory meatballs and rich marinara sauce, making this Meatball Subs Recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser. Combining tender frozen meatballs simmered in flavorful marinara with buttery garlic-brushed hoagie rolls, and topped off with a melty mix of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, these subs bring together all the classic flavors you crave in a simple, satisfying package. Whether for a casual family dinner or a fun weekend treat, this Meatball Subs Recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatball Subs Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Each component plays its part—from the garlic butter that adds richness and a subtle punch, to the combination of cheeses that gives you that irresistible gooey melt.
- Frozen cooked meatballs: The star protein, pre-cooked for convenience and perfect tenderness.
- Marinara sauce: Brings tangy tomato goodness and warmth to coat the meatballs.
- Butter: Melts into the garlic and herbs to give the bread a luscious, savory base.
- Garlic puree (or finely minced garlic): Adds vibrant flavor, complementing both the bread and the meatballs.
- Kosher salt: Essential seasoning for balancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for a fresh, herbal brightness.
- Hoagie buns: The sturdy vessel that holds all that delicious filling without falling apart.
- Provolone cheese slices: Form a melty first layer that hugs the meatballs beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic stretchy cheese that melts into a gooey topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that’s the perfect garnish.
How to Make Meatball Subs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This will ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for warming your subs evenly, melting cheese to delicious gooeyness without drying out the bread.
Step 2: Warm the Meatballs and Sauce
Place the frozen cooked meatballs and marinara sauce into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Let them gently simmer together for 20 to 25 minutes, so the meatballs soak up all of that rich tomato flavor and become wonderfully tender and hot throughout.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
While the meatballs are warming, combine the melted butter, garlic puree, chopped fresh parsley (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt. This garlic butter mixture is going to add an irresistible savory note and keep the hoagie buns gloriously moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Hollow Out the Hoagie Buns
Using a serrated knife, carefully carve out a rectangular cavity along the top of each hoagie bun without cutting all the way through. Remove the excess bread and either discard it or save it for making homemade breadcrumbs or crunchy croutons later.
Step 5: Toast the Buns with Garlic Butter
Brush the inside of each hoagie bun generously with the garlic butter you prepared. Place the buns cut side up on a baking sheet or casserole dish and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes. This step gives you a perfectly crisp and flavorful base for your meatballs.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Subs
Remove the buns from the oven and line each hollowed cavity with a slice of provolone cheese. Carefully place four meatballs in each bun cavity, spooning over some marinara sauce from the pan. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to add gooey cheesiness. Return the subs to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle each sub with about half a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for that final savory hit. Serve immediately with any extra warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. This last step elevates the flavors to pure perfection!
How to Serve Meatball Subs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can take your Meatball Subs Recipe from tasty to unforgettable. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a bright herbal note, while an extra drizzle of garlic butter or a few red pepper flakes can add layers of flavor and a gentle kick. Don’t overlook the simple charm of serving with extra marinara sauce on the side for dunking – it’s a game changer!
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve your meatball subs with simple sides like crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or classic potato chips. If you want to embrace the Italian vibe further, consider pairing with a Caesar salad or some garlic Parmesan fries for a hearty meal that’ll keep everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or transform this comfort food classic? Serve your Meatball Subs Recipe open-faced on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese. Alternatively, cut the subs into smaller sliders for casual parties, or wrap them individually in foil for grab-and-go lunches with all the deliciousness intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for 2 to 3 days while retaining great flavor, making them easy to enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day without sacrificing quality.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled subs before baking. Wrap each sub tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual. This makes Meatball Subs Recipe a convenient make-ahead meal perfect for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat your Meatball Subs Recipe, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that satisfyingly crisp bread and melty cheese texture everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and wonderful flavor. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the marinara sauce to warm through.
What types of cheese work best for meatball subs?
Provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classics because they melt well and complement the flavor of the meatballs. You can experiment with mild cheddar or fontina for a twist.
Can I prepare this recipe without garlic?
You can, but garlic really enhances the depth of flavor in both the butter and the sauce. If you’re avoiding garlic, try using a mild onion powder or fresh herbs like basil for a different but still delicious result.
Is it okay to use frozen meatballs straight from the freezer?
Yes! This Meatball Subs Recipe is designed with frozen cooked meatballs in mind. Just warm them slowly in the sauce to ensure they heat through evenly and stay tender.
How can I make these subs spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some sliced jalapeños in the sandwich. You can also use a spicy marinara or add a dash of hot sauce right before serving for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a truly comforting and flavorful Meatball Subs Recipe that combines ease with exceptional taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, these subs promise to bring warmth, cheesy goodness, and hearty satisfaction to your table. Give this recipe a try and make your next meal a delicious celebration of simple, bold flavors!
Print
Meatball Subs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Meatball Subs recipe features tender frozen cooked meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, nestled inside toasted hoagie buns brushed with garlic butter, layered with provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for a melty, satisfying sandwich perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs and Sauce
- 16 frozen cooked meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¾ teaspoon garlic puree (or finely minced garlic)
- Kosher salt, pinch
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Bread and Cheese
- 4 hoagie buns, uncut
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting the buns and melting the cheese later on.
- Heat Meatballs and Sauce: Place the frozen cooked meatballs and marinara sauce in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully heated through and the sauce is warm and flavorful.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the meatballs are heating, stir together the melted butter, garlic puree, chopped parsley (if using), and a pinch of kosher salt. Set this aromatic mixture aside for brushing on the rolls.
- Hollow Out Hoagie Buns: Using a serrated knife, carefully hollow out a long rectangular cavity inside each hoagie bun, removing excess bread without cutting all the way through. You can save the removed bread for breadcrumbs or croutons.
- Toast Buns: Brush the interior of each hollowed bun generously with the garlic butter mixture. Place the buns in a casserole dish or sheet pan and bake for about 5 minutes to slightly toast and infuse the flavors.
- Assemble Subs: Remove the toasted rolls from the oven. Line the cavity of each bun with a slice of provolone cheese. Add four meatballs per bun along with a generous amount of heated marinara sauce on top of the cheese. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over each assembled sub.
- Melt Cheese: Return the assembled subs to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and sprinkle each with ½ tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, optionally with any remaining marinara sauce on the side for extra dipping.
Notes
- Use frozen cooked meatballs for convenience, but fresh or homemade meatballs can also be used.
- For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce while heating.
- Hollowing the buns prevents them from getting soggy too quickly and creates the perfect pocket for the filling.
- Save the bread cubes removed from the rolls to make homemade breadcrumbs or croutons.
- Fresh parsley in the garlic butter adds brightness but is optional.
- Feel free to substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or another melty cheese if preferred.
- Serve with a side of chips or a green salad for a complete meal.
