Weeknight Meatball Sub

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is a classic dish that’s simple to make and incredibly flavorful. The homemade meatballs are tender and perfectly seasoned, and when combined with a hearty marinara sauce, they make for the perfect filling for a hot dog bun. Topped with melted mozzarella, every bite is a cheesy, savory treat. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in about 30 minutes—ideal for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Homemade Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (95% lean)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt

Meatball Subs:

• 24 meatballs (homemade or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 8 hot dog buns
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture.
2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned on the outside.
4. Prepare the Subs: While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet and pour the marinara sauce over them. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the meatballs are coated.
5. Assemble the Subs: Split the hot dog buns and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon a few meatballs into each bun, and then top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove the subs from the oven and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes (depending on whether you’re using homemade or frozen meatballs)
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Different Meatballs: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs, or even swap for plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
• Add Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Subs: Add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle some hot sauce over the meatballs before serving for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover meatball subs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the subs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bread may become soft.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Frozen meatballs work perfectly in this recipe. Just heat them up in the marinara sauce as directed in the recipe, and you’ll be good to go.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw them before using.

What kind of buns should I use?

Hot dog buns are traditional for this recipe, but you can also use sub rolls, hoagie buns, or any bread that you prefer. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works great in this recipe. If you have extra time, you can also make your own homemade marinara sauce for a more personalized touch.

How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?

You can add extra herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to the meatball mixture. For more savory depth, try adding a bit of grated parmesan or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Can I add extra cheese to the subs?

Yes! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the meatballs before broiling for an extra cheesy finish.

Can I make these subs without broiling?

Yes, you can skip the broiling step if you prefer. Just assemble the subs, place the cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, you can switch up the marinara sauce for a different sauce, like a spicy arrabbiata sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce for a twist on the classic meatball sub.

How can I make these meatballs less greasy?

Use leaner ground beef (such as 95% lean) and drain the excess fat after baking the meatballs to reduce the greasiness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the meatballs gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free buns for the subs.

Conclusion

This Easy Weeknight Meatball Sub is a satisfying, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you use homemade meatballs or store-bought ones, the marinara sauce and melted mozzarella elevate this dish to the next level. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual family meal, and it’s so simple to make that you’ll want to add it to your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy the hearty comfort of a classic meatball sub in no time!

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