Nothing says comfort food quite like a piping hot, Cheesy Meatball Sub. With its saucy meatballs, toasted hoagie roll, and blanket of melted cheese, it’s basically a hug in sandwich form.
Whether you’re planning a satisfying weeknight dinner, prepping for a party, or simply feeding a serious craving, this recipe brings you the ultimate in cheesy meatball sandwich bliss.
It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Ready to sink your teeth into something saucy, cheesy, and unforgettable?
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for the Cheesiest Meatball Subs
The foundation of any great meatball sub starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for maximum flavor and gooey goodness:
- Ground meat: Use a blend of beef and pork for classic flavor. All-beef or ground turkey also work.
- Breadcrumbs and egg: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- Onion and garlic: Finely chopped or grated for rich aromatic depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley brings an authentic flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the meatballs just right.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for melting. Add provolone or parmesan for a sharper bite.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or make it from scratch for extra depth.
- Sub rolls or hoagie buns: Look for sturdy, bakery-style rolls that can hold up under sauce and cheese.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs at Home
Here’s how to make your meatball subs from scratch, step by step.
1. Prepare the meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Roll into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Cook the meatballs
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat, turning to brown all sides.
3. Simmer in marinara
- In a large saucepan, bring marinara sauce to a simmer.
- Add cooked meatballs and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.
4. Prepare the rolls
- Split rolls open without cutting all the way through.
- (Optional) Brush with butter and toast in the oven for 3–5 minutes until lightly crisp.
5. Assemble the subs
- Spoon meatballs and sauce into each roll.
- Top with mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
6. Serve
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cheesy Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s time to get creative.
Stuffed Meatball Subs
- Place a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking for a cheesy surprise inside.
Spicy Cheesy Meatball Subs
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatballs and use pepper jack cheese for heat.
Chicken Parm Meatball Subs
- Swap ground chicken for beef and use marinara with mozzarella and parmesan for a chicken parm twist.
Plant-Based Cheesy Subs
- Use plant-based meatballs and melt vegan cheese for a meatless Monday win.
What to Serve with Cheesy Meatball Subs
Complete your meal with these crowd-pleasing side ideas:
- Crispy fries or potato wedges – Always a classic pairing.
- Garlic parmesan chips – Crunchy and flavorful.
- Caesar or Italian salad – Adds freshness and balance.
- Dipping sauces – Ranch, spicy marinara, or garlic aioli take it up a notch.
- Beverages – Cold soda, craft beer, or red wine pair beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Made too many? No problem. These subs are easy to store and reheat.
- Fridge: Store assembled or separate components in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat meatballs in sauce on the stovetop and broil freshly assembled subs.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in sauce before assembling subs.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version—just watch for dryness and consider adding a bit of olive oil to the meat mixture.
How do I prevent soggy rolls?
Toast the rolls before assembling and avoid overloading them with sauce. Broiling helps crisp things up at the end.
Easy Cheesy Meatball Subs Recipe
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the sauce and assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese optional
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for toasting rolls
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Roll into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cook the meatballs
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat, turning to brown all sides.
Simmer in marinara
- In a large saucepan, bring marinara sauce to a simmer.
- Add cooked meatballs and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.
Prepare the rolls
- Split rolls open without cutting all the way through.
- (Optional) Brush with butter and toast in the oven for 3–5 minutes until lightly crisp.
Assemble the subs
- Spoon meatballs and sauce into each roll.
- Top with mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Serve
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.