Homemade Italian Meatball Subs

Savory meatball subs with mozzarella and marinara sauce on toasted bread.

Delicious homemade beef parmesan meatballs cooked in fresh marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and served on butter-toasted French bread or sub rolls.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4 subs

Full Ingredient List

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, diced
  • 24-32 ounces marinara sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 4 French bread loaves or sub rolls
  • Butter
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

Meatballs

Tools and Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 1/2 lbs Ground beef 80/20 preferred for juiciness
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 large Egg
3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
3/4 cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese High-quality recommended
1/4 cup Fresh Italian parsley Diced

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, parsley, egg, and parmesan cheese in a bowl until well combined. (Tips: Use your hands for better mixing.)
  2. Step 2: Roll the meat mixture into large meatballs. (Tips: Size can be adjusted to preference.)

Cooking and Assembling Subs

Tools and Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Oven
  • Broiler
  • Spatula

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
24-32 ounces Marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought
2 cups Mozzarella cheese Or more to taste
4 French bread or sub rolls Sliced
Butter For spreading on bread
Extra-virgin olive oil For sauteing

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (Tips: Ensure oil is hot before adding meatballs for proper browning.)
  2. Step 2: Add meatballs to skillet and brown for 5-7 minutes, turning once. (Tips: Aim for even browning on all sides.)
  3. Step 3: Transfer browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara sauce and let cook for 20 minutes over low heat. (Tips: This step ensures the meatballs stay juicy.)
  4. Step 4: Cut bread in half without slicing all the way through. Spread butter on each side and broil until butter is melted. (Tips: Watch closely to prevent burning.)
  5. Step 5: Place meatballs and sauce onto bread, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. (Tips: Serve with extra sauce for dipping.)

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: Approx. 800
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g

Additional Information

Notes: Feel free to add some extra spice with marinated Italian peppers.

Background: Meatball subs are a classic Italian-American sandwich, popular for their satisfying combination of meat, cheese, and bread.

Geographic Region: Italian-American

Seasonality: All year

Occasion: Casual dinner or lunch, game day

Recommended Pairings

  • Red wine
  • Iced tea
  • Lemonade

Tags

Italian meatball subs sandwich comfort food dinner lunch cheese baking